Region 3 Success Story: Engaging Local Farmers Markets for Bridge Card Accessibility

Creating a Legacy of Food Security & Supporting the Local Economy

Each year around 200 million dollars enter Kent County through the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), known as the Food Assistance Program (FAP) in Michigan.  In 2009 less than 1/10 of 1% of that money went to local agricultural producers. Gordie Moeller, a retired social worker, is on a mission to change that by increasing Bridge Card Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) participation at farmers markets across his region. 

For the past year Moeller has been working to bring access to healthy foods to SNAP/FAP recipients through local farmers’ markets and farm stands.

“Without the ability to use their Bridge Card at farmers’ markets, about 25% of area families are denied the opportunity to purchase healthy locally grown farm fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Moeller.

Moeller and his wife created the Food Security Fund at the Grand Rapids Foundation for programs and organizations that prevent and alleviate hunger and address critical nutrition issues.

Moeller located markets, visited farmers and explained his win-win strategy: “People eat healthier food, get fresh air and gain nutritional knowledge,” says Moeller. “In turn, the increased sales help local farmers, which benefits other local businesses.  In comparison, 70% of money spent at supermarket chains leaves town.”

Moeller’s work is beginning to pay off.  In 2010 only six farmers and markets accepted Bridge Cards in the region. In 2011, the number is up 750% to 46. Moeller recently received a letter of recognition from the State of Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan, excerpted here:

Two organizations were instrumental in supporting Moeller’s outreach: the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service and the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

The USDA offers free EBT equipment for farmers and markets with electricity and phone service.

The MIFMA works with farmers’ markets and legislators on relevant issues. They publish a Bridge Card manual that can help farmers get started.
Of note to farmers and markets:

• Large markets can accept Bridge Cards for individual farmers.
• Farmers and markets who already accept credit and debit can easily add Bridge Card EBT.

This summer the Double Up Food Bucks program offers a bonus incentive for Bridge Card holders when they buy from participating community farmers markets— they receive extra SNAP credit to buy double the produce for the regular price.

Farmers markets that accept Bridge Cards:
www.mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Double Up Food Bucks:
www.doubleupfoodbucks.org

Gordie Moeller can be reached at 616.293.4727 or gordiemoeller@comcast.net.