Alpharetta Farmers Market to Accept SNAP Benefits Starting in April

Residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will soon be able to use their benefits at the Alpharetta Farmers Market. Starting in April, the market will accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, making fresh, locally sourced food more accessible to low-income families and seniors.

SNAP recipients can visit the Alpharetta Business Association tent at the market to exchange EBT benefits for wooden tokens in $1 and $5 increments. These tokens can be used to purchase eligible food items, such as fresh produce, meats, dairy, and grains, from participating vendors. Vendors will be reimbursed semi-monthly through PayPal. Unused tokens can be saved and used at future markets.

“By incorporating the SNAP/EBT program into our farmers market, we’re not only addressing food insecurity but also supporting our local food system,” said Jim Gilvin, mayor of Alpharetta. “This initiative reflects our city’s dedication to offering the highest quality environment for our residents and businesses while fostering a strong sense of community.”

The initiative is a result of the City Agriculture Plan, which was adopted in December 2022 after residents identified the need for SNAP access at the market. Since then, the Alpharetta Business Association has worked with city staff and community organizations to gain approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We are very happy to offer this service to the community and to expand the customer base for our market vendors,” said Beth Johnson, board member of the Alpharetta Business Association. “We know from talking with other farmers markets that introducing this program truly benefits everyone.”

Vendors interested in participating will receive training on program guidelines, including eligible products and transaction processes.

The Alpharetta Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through mid-November in downtown Alpharetta. More information, including a list of eligible food items and vendor participation details, can be found at www.AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com.