By Sophie Hagberg
The Cape Ann Farmers Market will undergo several changes this season, adding terminals to provide access for those on assistance programs, shifting its location, and expanding its hours and the Backyard Gardeners Program.
Market manager Nicole Bogin said a grant from the state has enabled the market to input Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) terminals.
These stations will allow vendors to process vouchers from senior citizens and from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the new name for food stamps. Previously, the market needed the help of the Food Project to accept these coupons; however, individual vendors are now able to independently process them.
The market, which opens its fifth season Thursday, June 24, and runs through Oct. 7, will also be changing locations this year, though it's not going far.
The market will now be situated in the middle of Harbor Loop, near the Gloucester Marine Heritage Center. According to Bogin, the group initially discussed moving to the I-4, C-2 property, but was informed that it would not be ready in time.
The market's hours have also changed. The market will now be open from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the beginning of the summer, and then will begin closing at 6 p.m. when the light fades earlier.
Meanwhile, another grant, this one from the Sparkplug Foundation, is being used to expand the Backyard Gardeners Program. With the help of a coordinator, the Farmers Market is helping low-income families in both Riverdale Park and the downtown area grow their own produce.
"We are providing soil and grow boxes, as well as in-home education," Bogin said. "The goal is to help families become self-sufficient."
The market is holding a fund-raiser on Sunday, April 18, at 4 p.m. at Cape Ann Community Cinema.
The event will include a showing of the movie "Food Fight" and refreshments. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on the Cape Ann Farmers Market Web site. The market is also selling "promotional" tickets for $45, with that price including the $30 cost of a Farmers Market membership.
The market's Web site is capeannfarmersmarket.org.
