OK Farmers’ Markets SNAP at the Chance to Sell Fruits and Veggies

In August 2009, ten farmers’ markets in Oklahoma were accepting some combination of food stamps (SNAP), WIC and food assistance benefits for seniors, and we expect three additional markets to still be added this season.

The Kerr Center has worked closely with administrators in five different state agencies, providing technical assistance in developing each program with an eye on the particular needs of farmers and markets.

Thanks to wireless card-reading machines provided by the OK Departments of Agriculture and Human Services and dedicated staff and volunteers, approximately 100 farmers are able to accept food stamps and/or senior benefits. 

The markets that accept SNAP are Ardmore, Tulsa Cherry Street, Tulsa Pearl Market, Muskogee, Mangum, Tahlequah and Sayre.
Tahlequah, Muskogee and Ardmore also accept the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.

A recent historic change in the WIC program means that for the first time in the history of the program, the approximately 100,000 participating women, infants, and children in Oklahoma will each receive a $6, $8 or $10 paper voucher each month for purchasing fruits and vegetables.

They can choose frozen or fresh items from any of over 500 approved retailers, and they can also choose fresh produce from any approved farmers at registered farmers’ markets in the state.

Approved farmers accept the vouchers, stamp them with their assigned numbers, and deposit them in their bank accounts just like personal checks.
Farmers who sell at a registered farmers’ market in Oklahoma are eligible to participate, but must apply to the Oklahoma WIC office at 1.888.655.2942 x14765.

Information is also online at www.kerrcenter.com/wic-voucher.htm.
Presently only seven growers are approved by the State Department of Health as WIC retailers who can accept the new fruit and vegetable vouchers. These growers sell at Tulsa Brookside, Tulsa Pearl, Tulsa Cherry Street, Moore and Muskogee farmers’ markets.

We anticipate more farmers and markets becoming involved as they learn about these opportunities and as the respective state agencies further refine and promote and their programs.

For more information contact:

OK EBT / SNAP Farmers' Market Program,
Jerry Davidson, Jerry.Davidson@okdhs.org, 405.702.5714

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,
Peggy Stoltenberg, Peggy.Stoltenberg@okdhs.org, 405.522.3075

Doug Walton, Kerr Center Community Foods Coordinator, doug.walton@suddenlink.net, 918.686.6939