There’s a robust SNAP program at the Holland Farmers Market.
Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare knows first-hand the benefits the program provides in the community.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of Bridge card holders that do utilize their SNAP benefits at the farmers market to purchase wooden tokens to spend on fresh, healthy, locally-grown food.”
To meet the need, the Holland Farmers Market is hosting a food drive, partnering with Community Action House’s Food Club – a grocery store serving low-income families.
The drive runs Wednesdays and Saturdays, November 1-22nd.
“Definitely people are welcome to bring in items families could use for their Thanksgiving dishes, but really the items they need most are things like canned beans, healthy cooking oil, flour, canned fruit in 100% juice, whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, sort of those every day staples I think a lot of us probably take for granted.”
Customers can also donate gift certificates that can be used at the market.
As a “thank-you,” each person donating will be entered in a gift-basket giveaway.
“Food access is something that we've always been committed to with the farmers market, but I think it's definitely top of mind right now. Every major news outlet is definitely covering the lack of food access potentially in the month of November so I certainly hope that this provides an easy way for people to make a difference.”
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