Using SNAP Benefits at the Farmers Market at Minnetrista
The Farmers Market at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is a year-round, free community event for families, friends, and community members of all ages. Join us to experience local vendors, fresh produce, specialty/artisan foods, farm products, and fun activities that foster connection, support local business, and encourage education. These great offerings must be accessible and affordable for everyone, so we are proud to accept four types of alternative payment methods.
During both the indoor and outdoor seasons of our market, visitors can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase items from vendors. During the summer market, we accept additional assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), and IU Health Bucks. Because we are currently in the indoor season, let’s review the process for using your SNAP benefits at the market.
How to Use SNAP Benefits at the Farmers Market
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which aims to end hunger and move people forward to self-sufficiency. Visitors can use SNAP to purchase items from qualifying Minnetrista vendors at our Farmers Market.
When you arrive in the Center Building for the indoor market, stop by the front desk and ask to speak to our Farmers Market Manager, Jenni. She will scan your EBT card to transfer the amount you want to spend into wooden SNAP tokens. Each token equals one dollar. You can use tokens with qualifying vendors and purchase any of the products listed in the section below. If you aren’t sure how much you’ll need, feel free to explore the vendor booths before beginning your SNAP transaction. And if you’re worried about having leftover tokens, you can save them to use at the next market because these tokens never expire!
What You Can Buy at the Market
Your Farmers Market tokens can be used to purchase any of the following items:
- Bread
- Baked goods
- Jams & jellies
- Syrup & honey
- Seeds & plants
- Dairy
- Fish
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fruits & vegetables
Approved Minnetrista vendors will have a sign at their booth if they accept SNAP tokens. If you aren’t sure, you can ask the vendor or the Farmers Market Manager. If you have any questions about the process, you may also email Jenni or give us a call at 765.282.4848.
Indoor Market is the third Saturday of each month during November–April; 9 a.m.–noon, and the Outdoor Market is every Saturday during May-October; 8 a.m.–noon. Our next Indoor Farmers Market is on March 19th from 9 a.m.–noon. There will be a variety of vendors that accept SNAP tokens and offer an assortment of qualifying items for purchase. There will also be Master Gardeners in attendance! They provide demonstrations, activities, free seeds, and sometimes free plants. If you have children, bring them too! There’s always a coloring station and a scavenger hunt with a treasure chest. Stay up to date with Farmers Market announcements on our Facebook and other social media platforms.
Museums for All Membership
Outside of the Farmers Market, there are many other great offerings for you and your family to enjoy. If the price of admission or membership has ever posed a barrier for you to access our campus, consider Museums for All. Museums for All is a $5 annual membership option for families in our seven-county service region, with no proof of income required. You can find more information on memberships and Museums for All with the link below.