Using Food Assistance Programs at Farmers Markets

SNAP/EBT Tokens

The Watertown Craft & Farm Market gladly accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as a whole market.

Who is eligible:

SNAP customers

You can check eligibility and apply for SNAP through

myBenefits.ny.gov or by contacting Jefferson County Department of Social Services at 315-785-3000

How to Use:

At the Farmers Market Information Booth, customers will find a central token booth where the EBT card is swiped to issue wooden tokens for use as payment.

For every $1 of SNAP/EBT exchanged you will receive a $1 wooden token.

These wooden tokens can be used at participating vendors for SNAP eligible foods. Look for signs to know which vendors accept the wooden tokens.

DOUBLE BUYING POWER FOR 2023

In 2023, for every $2.00 spent in tokens, customers may receive a $2.00 FreshConnect voucher. These vouchers can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible items.

Eligible Items:

Fruits and Vegetables
Plants that Grow Food (many people are surprised to learn this!)
Breads
Meat, Fish, Poultry
Dairy Products
Maple and Honey Products
Seeds and Plants that Produce Foods
Baked Goods: Wrapped, Labeled and Intended for Home Consumption
Jams, Sauces, Soups, Etc.

SNAP/EBT Card

Many individual vendors at farmers markets gladly accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as a form of payment directly at their booth. Look for SNAP/EBT welcome here signs.

Who is eligible:

SNAP customers

You can check eligibility and apply for SNAP through

myBenefits.ny.gov or by contacting Jefferson County Department of Social Services at 315-785-3000

How to Use:

Look for signs to know which vendors accept SNAP/EBT cards. You can pay for SNAP/EBT eligible items directly with your SNAP/EBT card.

Eligible Items:

Fruits and Vegetables
Plants that Grow Food (many people are surprised to learn this!)
Breads
Meat, Fish, Poultry
Dairy Products
Maple and Honey Products
Seeds and Plants that Produce Foods
Baked Goods: Wrapped, Labeled and Intended for Home Consumption
Jams, Sauces, Soups, Etc.

FreshConnect Coupons / CNY Health Bucks

Who is eligible:

SNAP recipients exchanging SNAP/EBT dollars for SNAP tokens at eligible farmers markets. The FreshConnect voucher will be issued at the market information booth when purchasing tokens. In 2023, for every $2.00 spent in tokens, customers may receive a $2.00 FreshConnect voucher.

Veterans Benefits Advisors distribute FreshConnect checks on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the state of New York. Each recipient receives a booklet of FreshConnect checks worth a total of $20 at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands. For more information contact the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services - Dulles State Office Building at (315) 785-2468

How to Use:

Use these coupons ($2.00 increments) to purchase SNAP eligible items from any vendor at the farmers market.

Farm stands and vendors at the farmers markets are not required to have special authorization to accept these vouchers, as long as SNAP eligible items are being purchased!

Eligible Items:

Fruits and Vegetables
Plants that Grow Food (many people are surprised to learn this!)
Breads
Meat, Fish, Poultry
Dairy Products
Maple and Honey Products
Seeds and Plants that Produce Foods
Baked Goods: Wrapped, Labeled and Intended for Home Consumption
Jams, Sauces, Soups, Etc.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons

Eligible New Yorkers can receive several $4 coupons to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets, farm stands, and mobile markets.

Who is eligible:

If you are enrolled in WIC, or if you are a low-income senior (60 years or older), you may be eligible for FMNP!

Seniors who are eligible for this program receive a booklet with SFMNP coupons that can only be used to purchase local, fresh, unprocessed vegetables and fruits at participating farmers' markets and farm stands. Seniors must contact their local county Office for the Aging for more information about where to receive SFMNP coupons. The program starts July 1 and coupons are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Seniors can learn more by contacting the Jefferson County Office for the Aging at (315) 785-3191.

WIC participants receive their WIC FMNP coupons at their local WIC office. WIC participants can learn more by contacting the Jefferson County WIC office at (315) 782-9450.

How to Use:

Look for signage or ask the farmer if they accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons. Use your FMNP check to purchase eligible items.

You must use your coupons between June 1 and November 30.

Eligible Items

Locally grown fresh vegetables
Locally grown fruits
Locally grown herbs

You cannot buy tropical or citrus fruits or non-produce items like apple cider, honey, maple syrup, eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies, plants, flowers, or decorative pumpkins and gourds.