The City of Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers’ Market is participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. As a result, SNAP customers will be able to use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible food products at the market.
For every $5 in new SNAP benefits used, the community receives almost double that amount in economic activity. Low-income households participating in SNAP have access to more food nutrients, like proteins, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals in their home food supply. This initiative also helps increase the customer base at the market, creating an additional source of revenue for the Market vendors.
Implementing the SNAP program at the Old Town Farmers’ Market was made possible with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and through partnership with the Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network.
The Old Town Farmer’s Market is located on King Street between N. Royal and N. Fairfax Streets, and is open on Saturdays year round from 7 a.m. to noon.