By Rebeccah Waff Cope
Holly Springs is fortunate to have a thriving farmers market, which is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon (April through October 21) at 300 West Ballentine Street on the northern part of the “loop” outside of the Town’s Cultural Center. The market is operated and managed by the Holly Springs Department of Parks & Recreation. In wintertime, the market remains open almost every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with some exceptions in November and December. There are more than 40 vendors currently participating in the market.
As it states on the Town’s farmers market web page (www.hollyspringsnc.us/319/Farmers-Market), markets such as this one are essential to the livelihood of farmers and food producers, and they “offer an efficient way for residents to obtain a diversity of healthy foods while directly supporting the local economy.” The Town’s market features farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, free-range eggs, NC seafood, local honey, baked goods and artisanal foods, plus all-natural bath and body products.
To ensure that all residents can benefit from these local goods and fresh farm products, the Holly Springs Farmers Market (HSFM) offers SNAP/EBT, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits to customers along with a “Double Bucks” match for fresh produce, courtesy of a $10,000 grant that was provided by UNC Health. This funding allows individuals (who qualify for SNAP/EBT nutrition assistance from the state) to receive double the funding to purchase fresh produce and other food from the authorized, local vendors at the HSFM.
Customers with SNAP benefits can stop by the HSFM information tent on market days and tell the market managers how much they’d like to spend at the market. The managers swipe the customer’s benefits card and give them $1 or $5 wooden tokens to spend just like cash at the market. They also match what the customer spends in “Double Bucks” tokens, which can be spent on fresh produce. With the grant funding, eligible customers may receive up to $20 per market day in matching funds for purchases of fresh produce.
The SNAP program is administered through the NC Department of Health and Human Services and helps eligible people with limited incomes supplement their budgets so they can purchase food. The benefits are given on an EBT card, which works like a debit card. These benefits can be used to buy food at stores that accept EBT cards, and which display signs that read: “We accept SNAP benefits.” Details about the program are available at: www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps.
The HSFM tokens may be used at any vendor that has a SNAP/EBT sign to purchase SNAP-eligible foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and lots more. No change is given, but customers can combine tokens and cash to pay for an order. The tokens never expire, so they can be saved for future visits. The HSFM tokens can only be spent at the Town market.
In addition to SNAP/EBT, many market vendors accept the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior (SFMNP) checks. Customers may use their checks with vendors who sell fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables. To spend a check, customers simply hand the check to the person selling the fruits or vegetables and use it just like cash. Change cannot be collected from vendors during transactions.
As mentioned by Holly Springs Parks Director LeeAnn Plumer, “There are lots of great eligible options when using SNAP/EBT tokens at the HSFM.” Examples of what can be purchased include:
Fruits and vegetables
Beef, pork, poultry, seafood and other meats
Honey
Eggs
Loaves of bread and other baked goods
Dairy products, including goat cheese and almond milk
Jams/Jellies and other condiments
Items that are not eligible include all non-food items as well as:
Single-serve and ready-to-eat items such as a breakfast sandwich, cup of coffee or other ready to drink options
Alcohol
Pet foods and treats
The UNC grant also provides funding to purchase fresh produce from the farmers at the market to donate to the Holly Springs Food Cupboard (HSFC). Around $100 of fresh produce is purchased from farmers each week. According to Jessica Stygles, the Town’s Farmers Market Coordinator, “More than two tons of fresh produce and non-perishables were donated within the last year alone.”
Ms. Stygles said, “What’s great about this program is that farmers are getting paid for the fruits and vegetables they worked so hard to produce, and those nutrient-dense foods reach the tables of local families experiencing food insecurity.”
The HSFC picks up this produce each Saturday, along with any non-perishables that are donated that day. Town residents and marketgoers are encouraged to be part of this program by donating food at the market’s information tent!
The HSFM is a producer and growers’ market which is committed to providing locally grown and artisanal fresh food. They connect farmers directly with consumers in a convenient and nice setting. We hope you’ll check it out soon! Free parking is available in the nearby public parking lots and garages at the corner of Ballentine and Avent Ferry, as well as at the Cultural Center and Town Hall. Note that several picnic tables are available near the market and friendly dogs are permitted at the market on non-extendable leashes. The information tent has waste bags if needed.
Reviews shared online showcase some of the HSFM’s qualities. David Warnick said it’s the “best small farmers market around the country that we have been to!” with “knowledgeable staff, local produce, fresh food, prepared foods.” Robyn Irene said the market has “friendly vendors” and is “great for kids and pets!” Shayna Elizabeth shared that the market has a “great selection, organized, friendly, love all the produce.” Shana Toohey noted there is “great local produce and artisan goods. Always friendly and informative chatter at each booth.” Claudia Velasco mentioned the “great food, nice music, fun walk,” and Kate Kelly said, “Great little Farmers Market. Lots of variety. Plenty of parking.”
The HSFM is open regardless of weather or temperature unless conditions are dangerous! In the event of hazardous weather, market closures are announced on their website (www.HSFarmersMarket.com/) and through social media. Find them online at www.facebook.com/hsfarmersmarket and on Twitter (https://twitter.com/HSFarmersMarket). Market staff may also be contacted by email (hsfarmersmarket@hollyspringsnc.gov) and by phone at (919) 567-4010.
