West End Farmers Market returns, now accepting SNAP benefits to expand food access

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The West End Farmers Market returned in the California neighborhood Sunday, accepting SNAP benefits for the first time ever.

The farmers market is focused on expanding access to fresh produce and healthy food options in the city's west end. 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.

"We are trying to bring healthy options fresh from the farm to the area just so people can kind of get a little more variety than what they can find in the grocery stores," produce vendor Monica Thompson 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.

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

Interested vendors can apply by clicking here. There is no vendor fee required to participate this year after a $300,000 pledge from an anonymous UK-based donor to advance food justice and sustainable community health. For additional questions, email farmersmarket@change-today.org.

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

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