By Lisa Carolin
Did you know that Agricole Farm Stop, Chelsea’s year-round farmers market and cafe, accepts Bridge (SNAP) cards as well as Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)?
That means you can get fresh produce, frozen fruits, meat, plant starts, and more by using Bridge cards and DUFB coins, the latter of which you can sign up for at Agricole. Whatever you spend on your Bridge card gets matched by the DUFB.
Coffee and tea, pastries, pet food, and artisan goods are not included in the food assistance programs.
“It’s a way for people to stretch benefits and for us at Agricole to support our farmers,” said Agricole’s Produce Manager Kat Seger. “It’s win-win.”
The Chelsea Farmers Market runs through the end of October, but Agricole is open year-round, which is why Seger wants to make sure people know they can use their food assistance benefits in Chelsea year-round.
In addition, Agricole will be offering Our Neighbor’s Basket for the second year in a row, beginning in December.
“Anyone from the community can sign up for the weekly basket in advance,” said Seger. “All we need is your name and address. We use a sliding scale for payment and focus on people’s dignity.”
Agricole held the Agrifest fundraiser in June to raise funds for Our Neighbor’s Basket and will have another fundraiser in December. Seger says the capacity is now 10 baskets a week. Each basket includes a recipe and all the ingredients needed to prepare it.
“The recipes are straightforward and easy to make for working individuals and families,” said Seger.
For more information, visit Agricole Farm Stop at 118 N. Main St. in Chelsea, or go to agricolefarmstop.com.
