The Somersville Towne Center Farmers’ Market is offering food stamp recipients a special incentive this summer: Spend at least $10 in SNAP (food stamps) at the market, and receive $5 for free to spend at the market.

“Our goal is to encourage SNAP recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables,” said Sarah Nelson, Special Projects coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. “By offering an incentive that lowers the price of fresh produce, we are helping shoppers stretch their food dollars while keeping their families healthy.”

The incentive program began in June and continues through the end of August. The market has already seen a 100-percent increase in SNAP redemption. “I’ve been managing different farmers’ market for over 10 years and I’ve always made it a point to bring together all the diversity in the surrounding areas,” said PCFMA Market Operations Manager Vince Scalise. “A lot of people don’t know that they can use their food stamps at the market.”

Community outreach volunteers have been visiting social service offices, low-income housing sites, schools and clinics, handing out flyers and educating staff and clients about the program.

This effort at the Somersville Towne Center Farmers’ Market is funded by Kaiser Permanente Diablo Region. The Somersville Towne Center Farmers’ Market is open every Sunday through Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Macy’s and Sears on Delta Fair Blvd. For more information about the project, call Sarah Nelson at 925-825-9090 or e-mail sarahnelson@pcfma.com.