Press Releases

USDA, KDA to host farmers' market training April 27 in Warren County

 

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
For more information contact:
Ted Sloan
(502) 564-1138

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Farmers’ market vendors can pick up valuable information on receiving SNAP payments, legal issues, marketing their products, and more at a training session April 27 at the Warren County Extension Office, 3132 Nashville Road, Bowling Green.

“This training will enable participating farmers to sharpen their marketing skills and serve more customers,” said Sharon Spencer, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s farmers’ market specialist. “By accepting SNAP benefits, vendors can sell to customers who otherwise might not have access to fresh, local foods. Farmers will be able to improve their incomes, and customers who buy with SNAP benefits will be able to serve healthier meals to their families.”

 

Vendors can find out if they qualify to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and receive free electronic balance transfer (EBT) equipment. Staff will be available to help vendors set up SNAP accounts and order equipment. The opening session will educate vendors about accepting SNAP, debit, and credit at farmers’ markets. The session will be conducted by MarketLink, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Clint Quarles, a staff attorney with the KDA, will lead a session on legal matters involving farmers’ markets. Spencer will talk about market displays, customer service, and setting up market events.
The training session is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. CDT. Sign-ups for the SNAP program and EBT equipment will be open from 1-5 p.m. KDA employees will be available to check and verify market scales from 1-3 p.m.

To reserve a space, contact Spencer at sharon.spencer@ky.gov or (502) 782-4127 by Friday.