Cultivate a vibrant, sustainable farmers’ market community that is a vital part of Maine’s local food network.
The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) runs statewide programs that help sustain Maine farms, connect market farmers, strengthen farmers’ markets, and widen access to locally grown food for all. MFFM works with families, consumers and communities to make wholesome, locally grown food available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources and to support farm viability.
The MFFM offers programs for shoppers such as Maine Harvest Bucks to make fresh local food available to low income families as well as the Bumper Crop program to encourage local companies to promote healthy eating for their employees.
Maine Harvest Bucks
MFFM administers the Maine Harvest Bucks (MHB) program. Known as a “nutrition incentive,” Maine Harvest Bucks stretches the value of SNAP/EBT (formerly known as food stamps) dollars when they’re spent on local food at participating markets.
When SNAP/EBT funds are spent at participating MHB markets, shoppers earn bonus bucks that can be spent on local fruits and vegetables at the market.
MHB makes the healthy option the affordable option and incentivizes thousands of SNAP/EBT shoppers to spend their funds locally, rather than at big box stores. For example, SNAP/EBT shoppers who spend $10 in SNAP will get $5 in Maine Harvest Bucks at over 30 farmers’ markets in Maine to spend on fruits and vegetables.
Bumper Crop, a workplace wellness program, offers Maine companies the opportunity to promote local food while supporting Maine’s economy and showing appreciation for employees. Maine employers provide gift certificates to employees to buy fresh food at farmers’ markets. Employers ONLY pay for the certificates that are actually spent at the market. MFFM keeps it simple for both employers and markets by acting as an intermediary for billing, communications, and promotions.
Here’s how it works:
- Employers contact MFFM to determine their partnership details such as how to determine gift voucher value, frequency and local markets.
- MFFM prints Bumper Crop gift certificates for distribution to employees.
- Employees shop and use vouchers at participating markets.
Want to know more about MFFM and farmers’ markets?
- Go to Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets website
- To find a farmers market near you, click here.
- Check out The Maine Farmers Market Trail
- To look up farms that participate in Maine’s farmers’ markets, check out the Maine Farmers Market Directory
