Evaluating the Economic and Nutrition Benefits and Program Challenges of EBT Programs at Farmers' Markets

Abstract

The number of farmers' markets that offer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) as a method of accepting federally issue Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is on the rise, but the long-term success and sustainability of these programs are in question. To evaluate the success and sustainability of farmers' market EBT programs in Wisconsin, 10 farmers' markets participated in a two-year study to determine who benefits from these programs and how best to fund them. This study found that 99 percent of SNAP beneficiaries increased their fruit and vegetable intake by shopping at the farmers' market; however, farmers' market vendors realized little in increased sales. Of the 10 markets involved in the study, nine planned to seek outside funding to continue the program.