Nearly $40,000 will help grow Berrien County farmers market

Benton Harbor’s farmers market and three others in Michigan are getting money to make fresh farm foods more available to those in need.

The US Department of Agriculture recently awarded  $39,947 to the Berrien County Health Department for the downtown Benton Harbor market to assist in the development of an electronic benefits transfer program. The program allows Michigan residents with a Bridge card, the new food stamps, to purchase fresh, local foods at farmers markets.

The money also will be used to attract more vendors and more customers.

The other organizations receiving funding are: Community Farm Kitchen, LLC in Ann Arbor, $28,603; YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, $76,344; and Allen Neighborhood Center, Lansing, $90,209.

With these four Farmers Market Promotion Program grants awarded in Michigan in 2010 the investment in the state has reached nearly $600,000.  

“These farmers market grants support direct-marketing and improve accesses to healthy local foods in Michigan,” says Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program was created to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

Since its inception, the market promotion program has awarded nearly $14.5 million to increase direct-marketing income and consumer access to local farm products.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Kathleen Merrigan, USDA