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Food Stamps

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At least two of Pittsburgh’s farmers markets will now accept food stamps this summer. The markets stopped being able to accept food stamps in 1994 when EBT cards replaced paper coupons. Since that time, the markets have been struggling to find a way to make this payment method work. One of the main issues was that the technology used to be unreliable and it made people less likely to want to invest in its usage within the market setting, especially when considering how expensive it could be at times. The terminals were known to cost around $1500 per terminal.

Now with some improvement, this is less of an issue and many people will be able to benefit from the use of new technology. Not only does it make the market accessible to those who are using food stamps to pay for their food items, the terminals also accept debit and credit cards. This allows for everyone who is interested in purchasing items at the market to benefit, whether they are using food stamps or other methods for payment. The Strip District Market was able to receive a free terminal from the state last year which greatly helped towards the decision to work more towards providing payment methods for those using the food stamp program.

Since the farmers market focuses on organic foods, the prices are still sometimes an issue for those who are food stamp recipients. The market sold around $350 work of goods through the food stamp program, which is not much when compared to the credit card transactions of $6000. The goal is to help offset some of that difference by using a double value program where someone who has used ten dollars worth of food stamps would be provided with $20 worth of tokens to spend at the market.

The benefits of being able to extend food stamps to farmers markets are seen in many different ways. One of the most noticeable options is that it provides a lot more business for small family farmers that are in the area. The goal is also to help get terminals in other farmers markets so that more will be able to benefit from the new option. Many are hoping that other states will consider the example that is being set and will offer the option of using food stamps at their farmers markets as well.

One of the greatest reasons why many people are approving of this new approach is because they feel that is ends some of the stereotypes associated with food stamp users. Since some people hold the belief that food stamp users are generally people who do not take an interest in eating healthy or those who are more focused on misusing the program, being able to offer organic food options with farmers markets enables food stamp users to pursue healthier food options for themselves and for their families, which can be a great example in the long run. It also helps those who do not have access to organic food in their local stores.

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