NEWPORT — When you use your 3SquaresVT benefits at the Newport Farmers’ Market this year, you will double your money with Harvest Health coupons, allowing you to buy more fresh food from local farmers. This new program, which started in July, is called the Harvest Health Coupon Project.
Currently, the Newport Farmers’ Market is the only market in Orleans county to offer the coupons.
The system works like this:
Vermonters go to the booth at the market designated with the “EBT and Debit Accepted Here” sign to swipe their EBT card. They say how much of their benefits they would like to spend and then swipe their card.
They will be given wooden tokens worth $1 each to use at any vendor that sells 3SquaresVT eligible foods. As a bonus for shopping at the market, they will also be given fuchsia Harvest Health coupons to match their EBT purchases, up to $10 per market day.
The Harvest Health Coupon Project has proven to be a win-win for both 3SquaresVT households who are able to purchase more farm-fresh food and local farmers who are able to market their products to more Vermonters.
There are currently over 90,000 Vermonters who receive 3SquaresVT benefits to help them buy more food for their families.
The Newport Farmers’ Market is open Wednesday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
