Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market
4/21/10
CONTACT: Danielle Wood or Kathy Sandefur
FOODSHARE DEMAND GROWS AT DANE COUNTY FARMERS' MARKET
MADISON -- With last week's opening of the outdoor Farmers' Market for the season, the volunteer-based
Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market reflects on the growing demand and impact of the automated FoodShare Market Dollar program,
entering its third year.
In May of 2008, the Friends group began implementing a USDA approved program to allow those in the
Wisconsin FoodShare program to use their FoodShare debit cards at a centralized station at the indoor and outdoor markets in exchange
for "market dollars" to be used for fresh and local produce at the cash-oriented market stands.
In 2008, total market dollars distributed at both the indoor and outdoor markets totaled $5,831.00. During 2009, the number jumped to
$18,037.00 worth of market dollars used to support our local economy and local agriculture.
The program continues to grow into 2010.
The FoodShare Market Dollar program is run entirely by the volunteer-based Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market, which is the
educational and outreach not-for-profit organization directly linked to the Dane County Farmers' Market, the largest producer-only farmers'
market in the country.
Both administrators and participants are optimistic about the continued efficacy and impact of the program. Kat Beyer, a passionate
FoodShare participant stated, "I never needed government aid before this tough time, but now, having experienced the various aid programs,
I have to say the Market Dollar program is the most extraordinary. Because of you folks, I can feed my family real, healthy food - so we can
get back on our feet -while at the same time I can support our farmers and our community. I can give as well as receive, which means so
much to me. You've given us the means to maintain our physical and psychological health."
With increases in demand for FoodShare assistance, growing awareness of the program and the enhanced community value on
"buying fresh and local," the Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market is inspired by the exponential growth of the program and
happy to provide this service to the community. Most items at the market are available for purchase through the FoodShare Market
Dollars, including edible plants, offering market dollar users the unique option to "grow your own" at home.
With the help of the community, the Friends group has been able to keep up with the growing administrative costs of the program
associated with this rapid growth. Transaction fees and direct costs associated with the use of the EBT device, necessary to implement
the program, have been generously supported through sponsorship by the Dane County Farmers' Market Board, fundraising efforts of
the Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market and the start-up support of the Alliant Energy Foundation in 2008. "This is a volunteer
run effort. It is only through one-on-one relationships, training and education that this system can work effectively within the parameters
of the USDA. Our annual donors, Friends members and fundraising events help support the administrative costs of the EBT machine
so such costs are not passed down to the state or the farmers, " says Kathy Sandefur, Chair of the Friends of the Dane County
Farmers' Market Board.
The Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market is a not-for-profit organization founded in April of 2003 to support the educational
and outreach activities of the Dane County Farmers' Market. For more information on the FoodShare Market Dollar program,
volunteer opportunities or how to become a member of the Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market, please
visit http://www.friendsofdcfm.org or contact Danielle .
Friends of the Dane County Farmers Market 2011 Page built by Oshehoma Productions