At the natural food store where I work, in Bridgton, Maine, we take EBT cards (Maine's version of food stamps/welfare/health care reimbursement). All our produce is organic and much is local in season. We always carry local eggs and also local meat and poultry. And many local farmstands accept vouchers from the state which entitle seniors to a certain amount of fresh produce every month during the growing season. And some accept EBT cards, as well. Even so, organic produce is more expensive than conventional produce so it takes a certain commitment, whether you use food stamps or cash, to stick strictly with organic. In our store we post a list of  produce that is more likely to be contaminated with pesticides so that if people have to make choices they can do it that way. The regular grocery stores also carry organic produce, but it's usually more expensive than ours and not as high quality. Partly because it seems the produce managers don't know how to treat it. For example, keeping organic bananas in plastic bags (but non-organic ones aren't) which hastens spoilage.

at least one of our farmer's markets (hurrah allen street!) takes "food stamps"/EBT/bridge card as tender for organo/local groceries...  and the east lansing food co-op does as well - the only health food store in the area that does, i think.

Even if your farmer's market doesn't take EBT, many of the farmers may be willing to barter or exchange some amount of farm labor for food. If you are able to get to the farm, there are many ways to help out. CSA's, especially, often offer discounts in exchange for labor.

The so-called "unexamined class issues lurking in the background" deserve some significant attention, so I'll just throw in a few cents now.  

I see much of the positive activity around increasing food options for lower income people coming from greenies and the Left.  The lack of supermarkets or produce stands in inner cities and low income areas isn't because of elitist farmers' market shoppers -- it's a combination of corporate decisions and the low margins in the food business.   And for many residents in these underserved neighborhoods, just getting to and from the grocery store can be an expensive ordeal requiring many bus rides or a taxi, thus increasing their overall food costs.

Who was fighting for the South Central Farm?  Board members from Safeway or WalMart?  Bankers?  No, greenies and foodies.  Environmentalists are also working in low income areas to open more community gardens and preserve urban farms.

i'm a farmers market manager in california, and i can tell you the wic program is woefully underutilized. every year, the program is cut back more and more because the coupons just don't get used. if you or someone you know qualifies for wic farmers market coupons, run--don't walk--to get them and use them!

    In business, it is everything.  And this is true for farmer's markets too.  Most of the ones I know about (which is not all, so I would love to hear about different examples!), are in relatively well off areas.  This means that most of them, cater to people with money (if I'm selling something, I want to do so as well!).

   It's not just a question of whether they take food coupons, it's a question of location.  Their location makes them a less likely option for many poor people.  This is the real problem.

   One idea would be for cities to run free direct buses from poor areas to farmers markets at certain times.  It would make accessing them easier, and would not have to be terribly expensive.  (Or some NGO might apply for a grant to do this).

   Another idea, would be for farmers markets to go to poor communities, at least during festivals and special events.  They might consider working with local churches or community groups to see what would be possible.

patrick

    Farmer's Markets could also work to establish a delivery system for small markets in poor areas that are too far away to actually visit.

    Look up the local (city or county) political representative for the poorer neighborhoods, contact them, see if they can help find money, people to organize such things.

    Consider organizing school trips from poor schools to organic farms.

    I know managers don't have time to do this, but put up notices and try to find volunteers.  If no one volunteers, then, well, you have tried.  But someone might.

    Look to local green groups for volunteers, send them a copy of the flier  you post.

    Try the same thing for community centers and schools in poor areas.

    You don't have to do it all yourself, but reach out!

patrick