Market Match, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollar-for-dollar matching program, will be doubling its commitment to SNAP shoppers this holiday season. All season long, participants in SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, received up to $25 in matching funds to spend on fresh produce, meats, eggs, and dairy at local farmers markets.
This year, at the Lawrence Holiday Farmers Market Dec. 12 and at Cottin’s Indoor Winter Market Dec. 10, Market Match will offer an additional bonus. Instead of SNAP doubling, Market Match will be SNAP tripling! For instance, if a SNAP recipient swipes their Vision card for $25, the program will provide a match of $50, totaling $75. This bonus will triple the incentive for an individual or family, allowing them to spend more money on healthy, locally grown foods.
At the Lawrence Holiday Farmers Market, SNAP shoppers will bring their cards to the information table, similar to the outdoor market, and the managers will assist from there. At Cottin’s, shoppers bring the Vision card to the cash register to redeem the desired amount.
“This is such a win-win program," Tresa Carter, Market Match coordinator, said. "It’s great for families to get a little extra boost at holiday time, and it introduces new customers and revenue to farm family small businesses."
The Lawrence Holiday Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Lawrence Holiday Inn Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive. Cottin’s Hardware Indoor Farmers Market, 1832 Massachusetts St., is open every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will offer the additional doubling Dec. 10.