Fresh Check Program
What is the Fresh Check Program?
The Fresh Check program is the cornerstone of the Crossroads Farmers Market. Through the Fresh Check program, the market matches federal nutrition assistance with cash-value coupons for use at market, incentivizing low-income individuals to use their benefits at market and providing greater revenue for local farmers.
Am I Eligible for Fresh Checks?
For eligibility in the program, one must be a registered federal nutrition benefits client. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps); Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program; and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Assistance (Senior FMNP) participants are all eligible for Fresh Checks. Wondering if you’re eligible for SNAP? Come by the Crossroads Farmers Market any Wednesday to speak with our SNAP Outreach Specialist.
How Does the Program Work?
Fresh Checks are paper coupons in $1 increments, redeemable for the purchase of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at market. Upon arriving at the market, Fresh Check participants approach the market stand and present qualifying identification. SNAP users may swipe their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at this time to receive $1-value tokens for redemption at market. All Fresh Check participants– SNAP, WIC, and Seniors– receive $5 per week for use at market. The Fresh Checks operate as cash, usable directly in transactions with vendors. Vendors are reimbursed by the market at the end of each week for Fresh Checks received.
How many people benefit from the Fresh Check Program?
As need increases and community awareness of the market continues to grow, so too does participation in the Fresh Check program. In 2010, Crossroads distributed nearly $40,000 in Fresh Checks to over 1,200 area families!
Who funds the Fresh Check Program?
The 2011 Fresh Check Program has been generously sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, City of Takoma Park, and Wholesome Wave.
