West End Farmers Market in Louisville to begin accepting SNAP benefits

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As food prices continue to rise and grocery budgets shrink, the West End Farmers Market is stepping up to help ease the burden — especially for those who rely on government assistance.

Starting this Sunday, the market will begin accepting SNAP benefits, also known as EBT, for the first time. The move comes as part of an effort to expand access to fresh produce and healthy food options in the California neighborhood and other parts of Louisville’s west end.

“This will definitely help me. It will definitely help a lot more people, too,” said Latearean Dunkerson, a local college student who lives near California Park.

Dunkerson said he spends about $100 a week on groceries and uses SNAP to help make ends meet.

The market, launched last year by the nonprofit Change Today, Change Tomorrow, aims to tackle food insecurity in an area that has long been considered a food desert, with limited access to traditional grocery stores.

T’Von Terry, director of the marketing for Change Today, Change Tomorrow, said accepting SNAP is a key step in making the market more inclusive.

“Seeing these other markets — whether it’s in Old Louisville or outside the city — everyone is using SNAP, and we see how beneficial it is,” Terry said.

Through federal funding and support from the Community Farm Alliance, the program allows SNAP recipients to double their spending power. Shoppers can receive $40 worth of food for $20 of SNAP benefits.

“They’ll just have it in tokens and exchange with the vendors,” Terry said. “Then we pay out the vendors at the end.”

This season, at least 20 vendors are already signed up for the market, which will operate every other Sunday through Oct. 5.

Robin Hamilton, a resident of the California neighborhood, said bringing markets this this closer to the West End community makes a big difference.

“That is actually wonderful because you find most farmers markets further out, and people can't get to it or can't travel,” she said.

The market is still accepting applications for more vendors and is also seeking volunteers. To volunteer, click here.

To learn more or donate to Change Today, Change Tomorrow, click here.

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