The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas (FBNCA), partnering with the City of Mountain Home along with area farmers, artisans and musicians announced Tuesday a successful 2023 farmers market season where they were able to provided 174,867 meals to the food bank.
Meals provided to the Food Bank to assist with their food distribution programs came from monetary donations, the purchase of Mountain Home Farmers Market merchandise and from vendors who donated food to the Food Bank as a part of their partnership.
According to the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, the market saw a total of 12,500 visits from 6,800 visitors.
FBNCA CEo Jeff Quick states, “142 different vendors participated in the 2023 market. In addition, the market began accepting SNAP benefits for locally grown fresh produce, dairy and meat products and participated in the Double Up Food Bucks Program. We are thrilled to share that our market saw almost $5,000 in SNAP benefits redeemed. Knowing that we can encourage SNAP recipients to take advantage of these locally grown foods, and seeing so many people do just that, is a big win for us!”
As a result of the market’s successful launch of SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, Food Bank representatives have been invited to share about their work at an upcoming meeting of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association in early 2024.
Quick added, “With Arkansas’ recent designation of the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, it’s more crucial than ever for us to explore creative ways of increasing access to healthy foods. We’re grateful for everyone who has participated in this venture and look forward to a successful 2024 farmers market season.
Individuals interested in participating in the 2024 Mountain Home Farmers market can visit mhfarmersmarket.org for information and vendor applications.
The Mountain Home Farmers Market is sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank and Jack’s Package Store.
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