Local farmers markets now accept SNAP/EBT

Catholic Charities-Spokane and The Backyard Harvest announced Tuesday that the Pullman, Moscow and Lewiston farmers markets will be accepting SNAP/EBT benefits, effective immediately.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program/Electronic Benefits Transfer, which was formerly known as food stamps, will be accepted for qualifying food purchases through the program Fresh Bucks, which provides a $2 incentive for every $5 purchased using a SNAP/EBT card.

“We're hoping to support families that use SNAP benefits to purchase fresh fruit and veggies … and expand their buying power,” said Brian Estes, who works with Catholic Charities.

The Pullman Farmers Market operates in the Spot Shop parking lot at 240 NE Kamiaken Street every Wednesday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This will continue through October. The Moscow Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October at Main Street and Friendship Square, and the Moscow Growers Market is open in the 1912 Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through September. Additionally, the Moscow Winter Market will start in the 1912 Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March. The Lewiston Market is at the Fifth and D Street parking lot on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. through September.