Greensboro Farmers Curb Market Receives Gift from Lululemon for Support of Double SNAP Benefits

"Thanks to a generous donation from Lululemon, a yoga clothing store, Greensboro Farmers Curb Market will continue its doubling of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) withdrawals.  The Market’s SNAP matching program provides SNAP recipients access to fresh local foods year round and boosts local farmers’ sales. In addition to the support from Lululemon, the SNAP matching program enjoys continuing support from  from Cone Health Foundation,  Hillsdale Fund, and Mary Lynn Richardson Foundation. In 2015, SNAP customers withdrew almost $17,000 from their accounts and the Market issued over 4$11,000 in matching funds.

According to 2014 Gallup Poll by the Food Research and Action Center, the Greensboro-High Point area was ranked number one in worst food hardships in Metropolitan Areas at 27.9%.  As a hub for local foods, the Market is taking steps to help eradicate food insecurity in Greensboro.

The Market matches  SNAP withdrawals  $15, meaning a SNAP customer who withdraws $15 from their SNAP account and receives another $15 $30 to spend to purchase fresh produce, fish, meats, eggs, honey, milk, and other eligible food items at the Market.

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market participates in several nutritional assistance programs including (SNAP), Farmers Food Share (FFS), Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Greensboro Farmers Curb Market dedicated resources to these programs because the Market believes in supporting better health through healthy eating.

About the Market

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market operates year round on Saturdays 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and seasonally on Wednesday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April 20 – Dec. 28). The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is operated by the 501c-3 nonprofit Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) on behalf of the City of Greensboro. GFM provides Greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local foods and crafts while interacting with producers and each other in a friendly and diverse social setting.

GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve Greater Greensboro's economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections."

- A Press Release

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market offers Double SNAP dollars During Mid-Week Market

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

501 Yanceyville St., accepts and matches

Supplemental Nutrition Program transactions (SNAP).

Recently, Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc.’s board approved a dollar for dollar match up to $15 for SNAP withdrawals at the Curb Market on Wednesdays.  SNAP customers can double their benefit withdrawals up to $15 on Wednesdays through June.  The Market’s board reviews and authorizes the SNAP matching program each month.

Cone Health Foundation, Mary Lynn Richardson Foundation and Mary Norris Preyer Fund make the Market’s SNAP match possible.  Weaver Foundation, Carolina Bank and the Guilford County Health Department also support SNAP at the Market.

The Market implemented SNAP at the Market in February 2013.  SNAP customers receive tokens to be redeemed more than fifty Market vendors.  The Market’s SNAP vendors display prominent “SNAP tokens accepted here” signs.  Tokens do not expire and SNAP customers can exchange tokens for fresh, local food at both Saturday and Wednesday Markets.

John Handler of Weatherhand Farm said, “We are gaining new customers due to SNAP at the Market.  We’re happy to have new customers for our lamb, chicken, vegetables and herb and vegetable plants.”

In the words of a Market SNAP customer, “This is the best thing to happen to my family in a long time.”

SNAP lessens the chance of reduced food intake or disrupted eating patterns due to lack of money or other resources.  It offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works with State agencies, nutrition educators, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations to ensure those eligible for SNAP can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits.  FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.

Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc.’s vision statement is “Farmers, Food, Friends.”  SNAP at the Market supports local farmers, helps put healthy food on tables that need it and extends this community’s network of friends.

For More information on how SNAP works at the Market, visit GSOFarmersMarket.Org.

The Curb Market is open Saturdays from 7:00 am to noon year round and Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm May to December.

Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) operates the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on behalf of the City of Greensboro.  GFM is a “501c3” nonprofit.

GFM provides greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local food and crafts while interacting with producers and each other in a friendly and diverse social setting.  GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections."

Submitted by: Lee Mortensen, Executive Director