News

For Immediate Release
June 3rd, 2020

RICHMOND, IN. – The Richmond Farmers Market will now be accepting the newly announced Pandemic EBT benefits as part of the Reid Double Dollars SNAP Program. These benefits can be used at the Market, held every Saturday at Jack Elstro Plaza (47 N 6th Street, across from Morrisson-Reeves Library) from 8 am – 12 pm. 

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana Family & Social Security Administration is offering additional benefits to households with children who receive free or reduced meals at school. These Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be given to all families that receive subsidized school meals, regardless of whether they were previously SNAP recipients or not. These benefits will equal the value of school breakfasts and lunches per child for the number of missed school days since school was cancelled. Families who already benefit from the SNAP Program will receive these additional benefits on their SNAP accounts. Families who are not already a part of the SNAP Program will receive an EBT card in the mail with the applied P-EBT value. The SNAP Double Dollars Program, sponsored by Reid Health Community Benefit, doubles the value of any SNAP Dollars redeemed at the Farmers Market.

“Reid Health and Reid Health Community Benefit believe programs like the Double Dollars SNAP Program at the Richmond Farmers Market is a wonderful way to make fresh, healthy food choices affordable and available to families who may face food insecurity. As the regional healthcare leader, we are committed to supporting programs that can potentially improve the health and wellness of the families we serve.” said Craig Kinyon, Reid Health President/CEO.

After the Pandemic EBT program was announced, Richmond Farmers Market staff worked with Angela Cline, Reid Community Benefit Director, to take the necessary steps to allow P-EBT recipients to utilize the Double Dollars program. Now, both SNAP and P-EBT dollars will be doubled when spent at the Market. 

“The Richmond Farmers Market Double Dollars program is a win-win for our community. It provides SNAP beneficiaries with healthy, local food options while doubling their buying power.  And it’s a benefit to the farmers and vendors because they’re able to sell even more of their wonderful products!” said Angela Cline, Director of Reid Community Benefit. “When Caleb let us know there was an opportunity for the market to accept the new P-EBT cards, we didn’t hesitate to approve the use of our funds to double those as well. Reid Health is proud to be able to support this wonderful program.”

To purchase SNAP Tokens using a P-EBT issued card or regular Hoosier Works EBT card, customers can visit the Market Info tent at the Richmond Farmers Market and swipe their card to purchase wooden tokens for use at the market. Double the amount swiped for will be given back in the value of tokens, which can be used on any SNAP eligible products. Although these tokens are non-refundable, the customer will be able to bring them back at another market if they are unable to spend the entire amount charged. Market tokens can also be used towards eligible items on the Online Farmers Market, found at farmersmarket.richmondindiana.gov. 

“We are thrilled that the Double Dollars SNAP Program covers the newly released Pandemic EBT benefits…’ says Market Coordinator Caleb Smith. “We are extending a big thank you to Reid Community Benefit for sponsoring this program so we can help provide fresh, local food to more members of our community during this time.”

If community members have any questions about the Richmond Farmers Market, the Double Dollars SNAP Program, or purchasing Richmond Farmers Market SNAP tokens, they are encouraged to visit richmondindiana.gov/resources/farmers-market or to reach out by emailing richmondfarmersmarketIN@gmail.com or by calling 765-983-7425.

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For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please contact the Richmond Farmers Market via the contact details below:

Caleb Smith
Richmond Farmers Market Coordinator
Richmond Parks and Recreation
2200 East Main Street  | E: csmith@richmondindiana.gov
Richmond, IN 47374    |T: (765) 983-7425