Farmers Market Grant Enables Food Stamp Acceptance | Your Opinion?

[PCMomto4]

Is this the Winter Park Farmers Market? We used to live in Winter Park and I miss that market, but that is besides the point.

I am amazed that she thinks that she can force vendors who are paying to be there to do what she wants them to do. I am just amazed if our consumable products are something that are allowed to be purchased using food stamps, if that is the case them their system needs to overhauled, I am sorry if you need assistance in paying for food you should not be able to use that money for a $12 bottle of sauce. Amazing. And unforetunately a lot of those people have no problem taking advantage of the system, I am not saying all of them but they are out there, more than we all probably care to admit. I can be one that hads a hard time keeping my mouth shut about it, I was at Publix once behind someone in line who had a cart full of grocerys that they bought using food stamps, which is fine, but then their second order was 6 (yes 6) 18 packs of beer, I told them what I thought (much to my husbands embarassment), but I made it known that it is crazy that they can afford to buy that much beer, but I have to pay to feed their family, unacceptable in my eyes.

 

[smart2cook]

My understanding is that it is not legal anywhere to purchase "tokens" with your food stamps-to be used as they desire on anything offered at this market. So there may be a bigger problem looming. Best of luck in however this turns out for you and the decision you decide to make.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Went to the SNAP website, and here are the rules for the token system a.k.a. Scrip Program:

Scrip Rules


Only eligible food can be purchased with scrip purchased with SNAP benefits.

No cash back can be given to SNAP customers. The sale must be for the exact amount of the scrip or the customer can make up the difference with cash.

The customer must be able to get a refund back onto his/her EBT card for unused SNAP scrip.

EBT accounts may also contain non-SNAP cash benefits. Scrip issued in exchange for these cash benefits, such as TANF, can be used to purchase non-food items and is not subject to the above rules. However, scrip issued for SNAP benefits must be distinct from scrip issued for cash benefits.

Market Responsibilities

Become licensed to accept SNAP benefits by FNS.
Design and purchase tokens or print paper scrip. The scrip must be hard to counterfeit. For paper scrip, non-photocopy-able paper is required. Placing sequential serial numbers on all scrip is strongly advised.
Train farmers in scrip redemption rules and procedures.

(The market's ability to accept SNAP benefits could be jeopardized if a farmer commits a SNAP violation while operating under the market's FNS license.)

Develop an accounting system and method for reimbursing vendors.


So, maybe you would be able to determine what is eligible to purchase. Maybe your liability is limited to none, and the market would be held accountable.

Maybe you can try it for a couple of market days and see how you feel.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Wow!! This whole thing got blown out of proportion!

Bill, honey, if you are feeling uncomfortable then pull out of the booth. There will be several other opportunities to set up this spring/summer/fall.

 

[babywings76]

I made notes in blue.

Went to the SNAP website, and here are the rules for the token system a.k.a. Scrip Program:Scrip Rules


Only eligible food can be purchased with scrip purchased with SNAP benefits.

No cash back can be given to SNAP customers. The sale must be for the exact amount of the scrip or the customer can make up the difference with cash.

The customer must be able to get a refund back onto his/her EBT card for unused SNAP scrip.

EBT accounts may also contain non-SNAP cash benefits. Scrip issued in exchange for these cash benefits, such as TANF, can be used to purchase non-food items and is not subject to the above rules. However, scrip issued for SNAP benefits must be distinct from scrip issued for cash benefits. Market ResponsibilitiesBecome licensed to accept SNAP benefits by FNS.
Design and purchase tokens or print paper scrip. The scrip must be hard to counterfeit. For paper scrip, non-photocopy-able paper is required. Placing sequential serial numbers on all scrip is strongly advised.
Train farmers in scrip redemption rules and procedures. (The market's ability to accept SNAP benefits could be jeopardized if a farmer commits a SNAP violation while operating under the market's FNS license.) Develop an accounting system and method for reimbursing vendors. So, maybe you would be able to determine what is eligible to purchase. Maybe your liability is limited to none, and the market would be held accountable.
In my previous post I copied the section that discussed it. The way I view it is that our products would not be considered eligible for this. It said:
"Households CAN use SNAP benefits to buy:Foods for the household to eat, such as:
-- breads and cereals;
-- fruits and vegetables;
-- meats, fish and poultry; and
-- dairy products.Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat."
Maybe you can try it for a couple of market days and see how you feel.

So really I think this is becoming more of an issue of her forcing him to have the sign up.

 

[vanscootin]

Is this the Winter Park Farmers Market? We used to live in Winter Park and I miss that market, but that is besides the point.

I am amazed that she thinks that she can force vendors who are paying to be there to do what she wants them to do. I am just amazed if our consumable products are something that are allowed to be purchased using food stamps, if that is the case them their system needs to overhauled, I am sorry if you need assistance in paying for food you should not be able to use that money for a $12 bottle of sauce. Amazing. And unforetunately a lot of those people have no problem taking advantage of the system, I am not saying all of them but they are out there, more than we all probably care to admit. I can be one that hads a hard time keeping my mouth shut about it, I was at Publix once behind someone in line who had a cart full of grocerys that they bought using food stamps, which is fine, but then their second order was 6 (yes 6) 18 packs of beer, I told them what I thought (much to my husbands embarassment), but I made it known that it is crazy that they can afford to buy that much beer, but I have to pay to feed their family, unacceptable in my eyes.

Thank goodness there is another person in the world who thinks like me! I would have said something to the beer buyer too!

 

[Bill Faber]

Is this the Winter Park Farmers Market? We used to live in Winter Park and I miss that market, but that is besides the point.

No its not the Winter Park Farmers Market. I dont see them ever doing that. Would love to get in there.

I am going to drop it. I feel that its is too much for me and that I feel that the fact that she is forcing me to place a sign that I have not agreed to is unethical. It is not that I am anti-food stamps. I just feel that what this program in the big picture is doing is going to bring more people to the market and those that come are not going to be able to buy my products so I am not going to see an increase in my sales. The person who is going to benefit from this is the person who can accept the tokens like produce. It really is not for me and I do not feel comfortable. I will find another market and I am not worried. I have another one that I do on Sunday so it is ok now I actually get a day off so that is ok.

 

[ShelbyMichalek]

....
I am going to drop it. I feel that its is too much for me and that I feel that the fact that she is forcing me to place a sign that I have not agreed to is unethical. It is not that I am anti-food stamps. I just feel that what this program in the big picture is doing is going to bring more people to the market and those that come are not going to be able to buy my products so I am not going to see an increase in my sales. The person who is going to benefit from this is the person who can accept the tokens like produce. It really is not for me and I do not feel comfortable. I will find another market and I am not worried. I have another one that I do on Sunday so it is ok now I actually get a day off so that is ok.

I feel sad for you that this is causing you to decide to give up your table there. But I really think you're doing the right thing. If you feel it's better to not participate then by all means, you're right simply because you believe it. :thumbup:
I wish you luck in finding another FM to participate in!!

 

[pampchefsarah]

Bill, I am really glad you have decided to pull out of the booth, and especially glad you are now taking a day off every week. Use the time to sleep in and enjoy your family!!

I think, though, it may be good to call FNS, or whomever, and clarify if our pantry items are eligible for food stamps or tokens. Yes, I saw what Amanda and others posted, and I agree it is highly unlikely, but it would be good to have something verbally from the powers that be, or, better yet, in writing. I say this because the next PC or TS consultant recruited by the market to take your place may not be as savvy, or have a forum to turn to for suggestions, and may naively agree to what we suspect will be illegal behavior. If you can tell the market manager you're leaving, this is why, and, by the way, what she's demanding is not only unethical but against the law, she hopefully won't try to bully someone else into doing it.

 

[smart2cook]

I too am so sorry that it has come to you giving up your booth-I also feel like you made the very best decision. I agree with everyone else here as well. I would get in touch with the FS office to see and get something in writing from them just in case you need it for back up. Something much better is going to come your way!!!

 

[Bill Faber]

Thanks Everyone. I have officially resigned the market.

It makes me a little sad because I really did love it. But it will be for the best for now. I appreciate your help. I got a lot from your feedback.