MASS. SNAP BENEFITS accepted at 54 farmers' markets

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Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, will be able to apply their SNAP benefits towards food purchases at 54 farmers' markets across Massachusetts.

The administration of Gov. Deval Patrick -- through two state agencies -- has awarded grants to 22 organizations or markets in 16 municipalities.  In addition, use of the SNAP benefits at participating markets is made easier through the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.

One of the two grant-giving agencies, the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), encourages direct exchange between farmers and consumers, and increases access to local healthy food statewide.

The DAR's commissioner, Scott Soares, said in a press statement:  "For residents, these grants provide a health benefit. For our farms, these grants get locally grown products to more consumers across the Commonwealth."

The second agency, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), provided the initial funding of $50,000 for the statewide grants.   Additional funding was provided by the Wholesome Wave Foundation, based in Westport, Conn., and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation.