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Report to the Legislature: Farmers Market Technology Improvement Project Pilot Program, presented to the Washington State Legislature on November 16, 2009. Read the report
Congratulations to the 20 Farmers Markets who were awarded a
Wireless Technology Pilot Project grant by the WSFMA!
These markets will be accepting Credit, Debit and the Quest EBT card this season.
Airway Heights
Anacortes
Battleground
Crossroads Bellevue
Camas
Community Farmers Market at Chehalis
Cheney Friday Farmers’ Market
Duvall
Kirkland Wednesday Market
Millwood Farmers’ Market
Montfort School Community Center
Columbia Basin-Moses Lake
Port Townsend
Poulsbo
Proctor Farmers’ Market
South Perry Farmers’ Market
Tacoma 6th Ave
Tacoma Broadway
Vancouver Farmers Market Association
Vashon Island
Washington State Farmers Markets Association (WSFMA) is offering mini-grants to Washington farmers markets that intend to increase access for food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and debit/credit customers in their markets. These mini-grants are available through the State Legislature’s recently passed “Local Farms/Healthy Kids” initiative and offer a number of essential program materials and tools for eligible farmers markets including: credit/debit/food stamp technology, token purchases, marketing and outreach materials (banners, signs, customized flyers, etc.), and several hours of outreach support, technical assistance and training to maximize use of this expanded sales technology.
Background
The project has been designed to expand access to fresh and local food in Washington’s farmers markets, primarily for low-income households who receive food stamp benefits (using electronic benefit transfer cards, aka EBT). In 2007, Washington residents received more than $588.6 million in food stamp benefits. By combining the technology necessary to accept food stamp benefits (EBT) with credit/debit capacity, markets receiving this equipment and support will be able to serve a broader range of customers.
See the Directory of WSFMA Member Markets
Project Resources Provided
The total amount of resources available from Washington State Farmers Market Association is the equivalent of approximately $1,500 per market in equipment, materials, training and support.
Upon acceptance of a farmers market’s application, the market will receive a wireless POS device to process debit/credit/food stamp transactions, tokens (in $1 and $5 denominations), information about how to access marketing and outreach materials, and technical assistance and training for the project manager. The Farmers Market Technology Project will provide training, one-on-one support and/or other activities for markets in order to provide more in-depth assistance that will ensure successful implementation of a market’s project.
Increasing food stamp access is the primary goal; much of the project support will focus on effective outreach, marketing, and developing and strengthening community partnerships to achieve the goal in each farmers market. Increased sales through credit/debit access are an additional financial benefit of project participation.
End of Season Report
The “Local Farms/Healthy Kids” legislation requires a report by WSFMA to the Legislature in November 2009. A summary report to WSFMA for the duration of your participation using the credit/debit/food stamp program will be required by grant recipients.
Contact information
info@wafarmersmarkets.org
The application process is now closed.
Reference Materials
Board Resolution in Support of EBT/Credit/Debit Technology Program [Word 39 KB]
Cover letter to farmers markets [Word 43 KB]
EBT Program Description [Word 43 KB]
EBT/Credit/Debit Access Application Form [Word 31 KB]
Vendor Agreement for EBT/Credit/Debit Program [Word 30 KB]
Explanation of Processor Fees associated with the Technology Project
Break even examples associated with the Technology Project. Example 1 – 20 week breakeven – Example 2 – 22 week breakeven
End of Season Reporting
These are the REQUIRED forms for markets to turn into WSFMA on Sept 11 2009 and again at the end of their market season in 2009.
Grantee Reporting Requirements 
Sample Accounting Forms
These accounting forms have been prepared for use as templates; they are not required forms but have been designed to help you implement your program.
Market Day Accounting
Market Day Token Tracker Form 
Market Day Transaction Form
Market Day Transaction Report Summary
Vendor Agreement Sample
Vendor Token Return Form