Presque Isle Farmers’ Market Receives Grant

A Farm Credit East (FCE) Market Grant was recently awarded to the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market.

The $750.00 FCE Grant Funds will help grow the impact of the program in the community, so that it becomes an asset for helping low-income folks afford healthy food and enjoy the community farmers’ market.

The Presque Isle Farmers’ Market is a place to shop and support local farms and businesses, while enjoying a welcoming community atmosphere featuring music, children’s activities, and educational events.

Partnering with Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market launched the Maine Harvest Bucks (MHB) program last year in 2018. The MHB program made the area market accessible to the 20% greater Presque Isle area residents who participate in SNAP/food stamps.

SNAP, formerly the food stamps program, provides an eligible person less than $4 a day to spend on food. The launch of this program allowed the market to accept SNAP benefits, and also to provide SNAP shoppers MHB bonus bucks to spend on fruits and vegetables. Maine ranks as 3rd worst in the country for hunger, just behind Alabama and Louisiana. Two-thirds of households in Maine participating in SNAP have kids under the age of 18 or a senior.

The Farmers’ Market is open from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM every Saturday, rain or shine, until October at 19 Riverside Drive in Presque Isle. Shoppers can find a wide variety of things at the market, such as plants/seedlings, fruits & vegetables, meats, herbs, baked goods, jam & jellies, coffee, tea, maple syrup, flowers, crafts, and lots more.

EBT, SNAP and credit cards are accepted and Maine Harvest Bucks are also available. The Harvest Bucks are handed out when eligible SNAP purchases are made.

If you have questions, stop by the staffed information booth or visit http://www.maineharvestbucks.org to view a quick video introduction to Maine Harvest Bucks.