KENNEBUNK – The Kennebunk Farmers’ Market will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards beginning Saturday, June 1.

SNAP helps millions of low-income individuals and families to have a healthy, nutritious diet through the purchase of eligible foods. The program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kennebunk Farmers’ Market Managere Steven price said that SNAP customers can use their benefits to buy food to be prepared or eaten at home, such as bread and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; eggs and dairy products. They may also purchase seeds and plants intended to grow food.

SNAP purchases will be matched dollar for dollar with Maine Harvest Bucks, thanks to a partnership with the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets. These grant-funded coupons can be used to buy fruits and vegetables, Price said.

The Kennebunk Farmers’ Market has many vendors that offer SNAP-eligible foods, including farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, chicken and duck eggs, locally caught seafood, and prepared foods such as baked goods, pasta and juices. In the spring, several market vendors also offer starter vegetable plants for home gardens.

“The town is thrilled that the Kennebunk Farmers’ Market and its vendors support this initiative to accept SNAP benefits,” said Karen Winton of Kennebunk’s  Social Services office. “People of all income levels want to purchase healthy food and participate in the weekly farmers’ market experience. The vendors and staff of the market recognize and support this and are working hard to ensure that the Kennebunk Farmers’ Market is a welcoming place for all.”

There’s also live music on many market days, along with community information booths. The Kennebunk Farmers’ Market is the perfect combination of locally sourced food and products, entertainment and information for the entire family.

Located behind Garden Street Bowl on Main Street in Kennebunk, the market is open to the public on Saturdays (rain or shine), 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and runs now through Nov. 23.

The Kennebunk Farmers’ Market was created in 1994 and is recognized as one of the premier farmers’ markets in the state, ranked last summer as third best in Maine by an online marketing company.

For market news, photos and updates, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KennebunkFarmersMarket/

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