FOODSHARE
The Platteville Farmer’s Market is proud to participate in the FoodShare program. You may have heard of this program called SNAP, EBT, FoodShare, Quest Card or Food Stamps. Good nutrition is important for all of us, regardless of age, income level, or circumstance, and locally-grown and raised products should be accessible for all.
What is FoodShare?
FoodShare is Wisconsin’s administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the general program formerly known as food stamps. FoodShare participants have a Quest card, also known as an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) that works similarly to a debit card. The farmers market has a machine at the Info Booth that can do an EBT transaction.
How Does It Work?
1. We accept Quest or P-EBT year-round at out Outdoor Market and Indoor Market. Take your Quest or P-EBT card to the Info Booth and ask to do an EBT transaction. The market has an EBT card reader where you will swipe your card and enter your PIN.
2. Decide how much you want to withdraw from your account, and the market staff will give you market dollars in exchange. Market dollars don’t expire, and benefits can be returned to your card if you don’t intend on using them.
3. Use market dollars at any PFM vendor that sells SNAP eligible products. Signs are displayed at eligible vendors.
EBT Service Hours
The Info Booth for the Saturday market is in the center of the market and is open during market hours. Look for the yellow tent during the Outdoor Market! In addition, EBT services are available at the Indoor Winter Market Booth
What Can I Buy with the Market Dollars?
You can spend your market dollars at any vendor’s booth selling bakery, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, edible plant seedlings, pickles, jams, and more. Market dollars cannot be used to buy nonfood items (like flowers or wreaths) or hot foods (like those served at food carts).
How Do I Get FoodShare Benefits?
If you don’t have FoodShare benefits but think you may qualify, you can apply online at https://access.wisconsin.gov/. For FoodShare application assistance, call 877-FOOD-365 (877-366-3635), or visit GetAQuestCard.org.
PLATTEVILLE FARMER’S MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (PFMNP)
We recognize that our area is federally designated as food insecure and that not all individuals that need food assistance meet the qualifications of FoodShare, WIC or SFMNP. The Platteville Farmer’s Market partners with the Platteville Main Street, Platteville Food Pantry, and other locations within Platteville to provide local residents in need of food assistance by sponsoring the Platteville Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (PFMNP). This program supports accessibility of locally produced foods by distributing PFMNP dollars to our partner locations. Good nutrition is important for all of us, regardless of age, income level, or circumstance, and locally-grown and raised products should be accessible for all.
What Can I Buy with The PFMNP Dollars?
You can spend your PFMNP dollars at any vendor’s booth selling bakery, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, edible plant seedlings, pickles, jams, and more. Market dollars cannot be used to buy nonfood items (like flowers or wreaths) or hot foods (like those served at food carts). Signs are displayed at eligible vendors.
How Do I Get PFMNP Dollars?
PFMNP dollars are distributed (May through December 31st) at local sites such as the Platteville Food Pantry, the Pioneer Food Pantry, Family Advocates, and senior living housing. If you have questions about the PFMNP please call the Platteville Main Street Program at 608-348-4505.
SENIOR/WIC FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP)
The WIC (Women Infant and Children) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs offer one-time food benefits to eligible participants each year. Each eligible participant receives checks that are redeemed at local farmers’ markets June through October on fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs. This program is separate from Foodshare, and checks can be redeemed directly at eligible vendors. Not all vendors at the PFM accept FMNP checks. Vendors that accept FMNP checks will have a yellow sign displayed at their market stall. For more information on Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program click here.
