New technology increases access to fresh foods at three local farmers markets

Vancouver, WA— Starting this spring, market shoppers at Battleground, Camas and Vancouver Farmers Markets will be able to use Washington State Basic Food EBT cards (also known as food stamps or QUEST cards) to purchase tokens that can be used to buy fresh produce and other healthy foods. Shoppers will also be able to use their credit and debit cards as part of this wireless technology pilot project, made possible through the state’s recently passed Local Farms-Healthy Kids Initiative.

Twenty-one rural and urban markets from eastern and western Washington were selected through a competitive grant process to participate in the two-year program.

“We are hopeful that this new program, in addition to WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition programs currently in place, will help families with limited resources increase their consumption of farm fresh foods,” said Tricia Mortell, program manager at Clark County Public Health and member of the Clark County Food System Council. The council works to increase and preserve access to safe, local and healthy food for all Clark County residents.

Eligibility for Washington’s Basic Food Program was expanded last October. According to the state Department of Social and Health Services, an estimated 23,756 households in Clark County received food benefits in January. This is a 24 percent increase in households enrolled from June of last year. To learn more about Basic Food Program eligibility or to find an online application, visit the Department of Social and Health Services Web site at www.foodhelp.wa.gov.