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May 14, 2009 - Kansas food assistance program partners with local farmers’ markets

Topeka – The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), in partnership with the Kansas Rural Center and K-State Research and Extension, is expanding access to locally grown produce for low income Kansans.  In 2009, eleven Kansas farmers’ markets will be accepting electronic food assistance benefits.

Food assistance beneficiaries receive monthly benefit allotments on an electronic benefit transfer (ebt) card, known as the Vision card.  Eleven farmers’ markets across the state now have the necessary technology to accept Vision ebt cards as well as debit cards.  Customers will swipe their cards at a wireless-point-of-sale (WPOS) device and receive tokens that can be used as cash for most types of food sold at the market, including seeds and vegetable plants.

The Kansas Food Assistance Program is designed to help families and individuals with low income purchase food.  Kansas farmers’ markets provide locally grown, nutritious products for low prices.

“It’s a win-win situation.  The program supports our Kansas farmers, while also ensuring Kansas families have access to healthy food choices,” said SRS Secretary Don Jordan.

Look for the "Use Your Vision Card Here" banner at the following farmers markets:

  • Garnett Farmers Market,  Thursday: 4:30-7:00 p.m. in downtown Garnett at 4th Ave and Main St, Vision Card only
  • Atchison Farmers Market, Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-noon and Wednesday: 2:30-5:30 p.m. in downtown Atchison between 4th & 6th on Main St, Vision and debit cards
  • Central Park Farmers Market, Wednesday: 3:30-6:30 p.m. in Andover's Central Park, Vision and debit cards
  • Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market, Saturday: 7:00-11:00 a.m. at 824 New Hampshire Ave and Tuesday and Thursday: 4:00-6:00 p.m. at 1020 Vermont St, Vision and debit cards
  • Leavenworth Farmers Market, Saturday: 7:00-10:30 a.m. at Esplanade and Delaware, Wednesday: 3:00-6:00 p.m. at 4th & Cherokee, Vision and debit cards
  • Emporia Farmers Market, Saturday: 8:00-11:00 a.m. and Wednesday: 5:00-7:00 p.m.  at 7th Ave. & Merchant St., Vision and debit cards
  • Hillsboro Farmers Market, Thursday: 5:00-7:00 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro at corner of Jefferson and Grand, Vision Card only
  • Salina Farmers Market, Saturday: 7:00-11:00 a.m. at 460 South Ohio, Vision and debit cards
  • Kansas Grown Farmers Market, Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - noon and  Wednesday: 3:00- 7:00 p.m. at 21st & Ridge , Tuesday:  3:00- 7:00 p.m. in Wichita at 8141 East 21st, Vision and debit cards
  • Old Town Farmers Market, Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - noon in Wichita at 1st and  Mosley , Vision and debit cards
  • KCK Green Market, Saturday: 8:00-11:00 a.m. and Wednesday: 8:00-11:00 a.m. in Kansas City at 6th and Taurome, Vision and debit cards

Eligibility for food assistance is based on household size and monthly income.  Income eligibility guidelines are based on 130% of the federal poverty level.  The maximum gross monthly income for a family of four is $2,297.

Current estimates indicate that only 65% of Kansans who may be eligible are participating in the program.  Individuals who believe they may be eligible to receive food assistance benefits should contact their local SRS office or call 1-888-369-4747 to request an application.  Applications are also available at www.srskansas.org .