Jennifer Brown, ACSW, (left) assists EBT card users and Phara Travis answers questions about the co-op at the Friday Night Farmers' Market. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Farmers and producers at Clearlake's Friday Night Farmers' Market at Redbud Park are now accepting EBT cards (food stamps) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Coupons.

Community members eligible for these programs may now easily purchase fresh local and regional produce and food items every Friday through September.

The USDA's effort to facilitate more purchasing of local produce at venues such as farmers' markets has risen in recent years as the local food movement continues to expand, creating more economic opportunities for small and local farmers and more opportunities for community residents to enjoy the healthy bounty of their region.

The EBT process is quite simple, according to Jennifer Brown, ACSW, who facilitates the program for the Market.

“People with EBT cards can come to the market and decide how much they would like to spend with the vendors,” she said. “We swipe their card for that amount and give them tokens equaling the same amount. They are free to shop with those vendors that sell Food Stamp eligible products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, and value added products like jams, pickles, breads and other bakery items. The producers then redeem the tokens and are reimbursed by check.”

Currently, the Friday Night Farmers' Market is the only farmers' market in Lake County that accepts EBT cards.

Lorna Sue Sides, WIC representative, issued 28 packets of farmers' market coupons at the market this week.

Each packet is worth $20 towards the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Most families receiving WIC are eligible for farmers' market coupons once a year. Recipients may then shop at the food vendors of their choice.

“This is the third year we've run the program at this market,” said Sides. “It's been quite successful and our clients are always pleasantly surprised with the choices and quality of food they can find here.”

The market, in its fourth year as part of a local food initiative started by the Lake County Community Co-op in 2007, also has live entertainment (this week Blind Spot perfomed and upcoming artists include Don Coffin, Michael Barrish, Blue Collar and Without A Net), prepared food from vendors such as Cactus Grill, local artisans and crafters, community organizations, such as the Lake County Time Bank (www.TimeBankLakeCo.com), and mostly – community.

Redbud Park thrives on Friday evenings thanks to the market and the shady, breeze-cooled lakeside setting.

“It's a real fun family venue where folks enjoy shopping, eating, talking,and sometimes even dancing,” Market Manager Pharalee Travis boasts. “It is really a joy to see such a festive event in our community.”

For more information on the market, including weekly musical talent, go to www.lakeco-op.org and click on the calendar of events or call Travis at 707-637-2870.