Member Feature: Adams County Farmers Market Association

This summer, families will be able to double their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) federal benefits when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at Adams County Farm Fresh Markets. The Adams County Farmer’s Market Association secured funding through Wellspan Health and local businesses for this program as part of its goal to increase access to and consumption of locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

The Adams County Farmers Market Association is piloting the Double Dollar Program for SNAP recipients at three farmers markets this season – on Wednesdays at the Gettysburg Recreation Park as well as on Fridays and Saturdays at the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. The program will distribute $2,000 to families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits throughout the market season. South Central Community Action Programs Inc., the Gettysburg Area School District and direct mailings will assist in getting the word out to the over 7,000 individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Adams County.

The Double Dollar Program is simple: SNAP recipients can swipe their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and the market staff person will match the amount up to 10 dollars. For example, spend $10 of SNAP benefits at the market and receive $20 in tokens to use at vendors who offer SNAP eligible foods like fruit, vegetables, bread, meat and eggs.

Supported through grant funding received by Capital Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Adams County Farmers Market Association implemented EBT services in 2010. The benefit of EBT technology is three-fold: healthier populations due to greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables; improved environment through the retention of local farms; and a stronger economy as more consumers connect with area growers.

Each market location is experiencing the increase in both foot traffic and sales from SNAP consumers shopping weekly at area farmers' markets.  For more information on the Association's Community Outreach program, visit the associations website.

Kathleen Glahn
President

A Twitter Fix for Locavores

Our new Facebook page has us thinking a lot about social media, and while we're not quite ready to start tweeting ourselves, we knew there must be a lot of great local food-friendly twitter accounts out there.

Imagine our delight when we found this list of the 43 Top Twitter Accounts All Eco-Foodies Should Follow on Earth Eats. From food policy to seasonal cooking to sustainable agriculture to gardening, this list has something for everyone.

Follow someone great on twitter? Leave a comment below!

We're on Facebook!

Yes, we're spreading the word about local foods on the social networking site, and we'll be honest, we want you to "like" us!

Each Friday we post a "Fresh Feature" - we highlight a food that's in season and invite comments on your favorite ways to prepare it. Plus, you can stay up to date with the latest news - market openings, special events, and more.

See you there!

Pesticides, ADHD & Local Food

The Today Show did a segment yesterday on a new study in the journal Pediatrics that associates pesticide consumption with ADHD in kids.

You can watch the short video of Dr. Nancy Snyderman discussing the study with Meredith Vieira here.

And what did the doctor recommend?  Really getting to know where your food comes from and how it's grown by buying locally!

Join the Crew!

We need YOU to spread the word about local food in South Central PA!   

The 2010 Volunteer Crew is accepting new sign-ups.  We’re searching for men and woman, young and old(er!), farmers and consumers; anyone who is willing to share their passion for local foods and would like to help their neighbors find and use delicious locally grown products. 

The South Central Buy Fresh Buy Local® Volunteer Crew will be at the forefront of local foods promotion by assisting at events, staffing booths, on planning committees, and through various technical and developmental activities. 

What’s in it for you??  Aside from the pride that comes with knowing you are supporting your regional Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter and local farmers, you will have first access to upcoming events (including free admission & parking), and recognition at South Central chapter events.

We have opportunities starting as early as April 15.  Whether you’re interested in a one time opportunity or would like to volunteer as much as possible, we need to hear from you!  If this is your first time volunteering with us, we will have an informational get-together in April. 

Sign-up today!

To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Cheryl Burns, regional Coordinator, at 717-241-4361 or by email. 

Contest: Name Our Newsletter & Win a T-Shirt!

"Local Food News" is our placeholder for now, but we want to give our newsletter a name that's a little more inspired. And who better to come up with a great name than our readers?

Send us an idea or suggestion! We'll collect them and hold a general vote on the blog in a month or two. The winning entry will become the official name of the Buy Fresh Buy Local South Central PA newsletter, and we'll send the winner a Buy Fresh Buy Local T-shirt for their trouble.

Leave your suggestion as a comment on this post, or email us by replying to the newsletter.

We can't wait to hear your ideas!

If Life Gives You Snow, Make Snow Ice Cream!

In honor of the record-breaking snowfall we've had this month, we bring you this snow ice cream recipe from allrecipes.com. It's local, it's free, and it certainly is abundant.

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 Tbl. vanilla extract
2 cups milk

Put a large bowl or pan outside to collect snow; approx. 1 gallon.

In a saucepan, heat sugar with vanilla extract, and milk. Heat gently until sugar is dissolved. Put outside (or in refrigerator) to cool.

Once enough snow is collected, add sweetened milk mixture and stir until desired consistency is reached.

You can substitute maple syrup or honey for the sugar/vanilla (use about 1/4 cup) and half & half for the milk (use about a cup).

Enjoy!