SK Winter Farms Market Expands SNAP and WIC Initiatives

A Rhode Islander who relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or WIC to put food on the table doesn’t have to steer clear of locally-grown food in South Kingstown.

The South Kingstown Winter Farmers Market has been accepting SNAP/EBT and WIC as payment for some time, but now, the program is expanding its “Bonus Bucks” deal in the hopes of increasing participation.

Now, participating farmers will get $2 free for every $5 spent at the market through SNAP/EBT and WIC.

The market opens on Nov. 14 and will run every Saturday through April 30 of next year.

“We are thrilled to extend this program through the winter market season,” said Chuck Jones, president and CEO of Thundermist Health Center, which co-sponsors the market with South County Healthy Bodies. “We are dedicated to improving the health of all South County residents.

Last year, SNAP/EBT & WIC recipients in South Kingstown and Narragansett utilized this benefit nearly 125 times, resulting in over $1,000 in incentives.

“ It is our hope that the program continues to grow in 2016,” Jones said. “Thundermist is committed to increasing low-income community members’ access to fresh vegetables and fruit and improving health outcomes.”

The market runs from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.