SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods is a health and nutrition program that works under two main areas: educational learning for program participants and USDA's Policy, Systems and Environmental Change strategies for farmers market managers, vendors and other community partners.
We teach Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible participants how to support local farmers' markets by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables with their SNAP benefits. We also work with local farmers market managers, vendors and other community partners to encourage SNAP participation by creating a SNAP-friendly environment and provide SNAP-related technical support through policy, systems and environmental change strategies.
Educational Learning
SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods uses the Maine SNAP-Ed farmers market program toolkit to work on improving the likelihood that individuals who are SNAP eligible will make affordable healthy food choices by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. The program is delivered both in the Northern and Southern Nevada region and the toolkit is modified to fit the unique needs in both areas.
There are various strategies used to educate the local community using health promotion and farmers' market outreach approaches.
Health Promotion
SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods offers two educational options: health promotion at the farmers market and nutrition education in a community setting. Between Spring 2019 and Winter 2019, we provided 39 classes in a community setting with more than 250 participants. As this program continues, we provide on average five classes monthly.
The program is also in the process of offering online classes. Please email the program contact for more information.
Farmers Market Outreach
The SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods team also provides an educational outreach booth at local farmers' markets. Farmers' markets shoppers who stop by will be offered free affordable recipes to take home, SNAP-Ed nutrition information, MyPlate information, and a list of local farmers' markets accepting SNAP.
Please email the program contact for information.
Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) Changes
The SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods Program works with local community partners including Nevada Hand, the Southern Nevada Food Council, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Farmers Markets, fresh52 Farmers Market, Shirley's Farmers Market, Reno Food Systems, Carson City Farmers Market, Dayton Farmers Market, Fernley Farmers Market, Hopes Clinic, Women and Children's Center of the Sierra and Reno Housing Authority, among others.
We collaborate with our partners to make changes through policy, systems and environmental opportunities by promoting healthy foods and support the members of our local food system.
Farmers Market Manager and Vendor Resources
SNAP into Farm Fresh Foods can assist farmers market managers and vendors through the SNAP authorization process.
For local farmers market managers and vendors, we offer:
- further understanding and assistance on SNAP authorization steps
- technical support with SNAP/EBT machines
- education and support on setting up a SNAP Central Terminal Booth
- information about the benefits of accepting SNAP
- support on how to create a SNAP-friendly farmers market
Local farmers market managers and vendors, please email the program contact for assistance and inquiries.
Recommended Online Resources
Nevada Farmers Markets That Accept SNAP
Southern Nevada
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Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Southern Highlands
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Wednesdays, 2-8 p.m., Bruce Trent
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Thursdays, 2-7 p.m., Skye Canyon
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Fridays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Henderson Pavilion
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Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Downtown Summerlin Mall
Northern Nevada
Reno Food Systems