More farmers markets accepting Alaska Quest Cards
(Palmer, AK) – Eleven farmers markets throughout Alaska are now accepting Quest Cards, enhancing the state's efforts to make healthy, locally-grown food available to Alaska households. Six markets accepted the cards in 2012, and two markets accepted them in 2011, according to the Division of Agriculture.
The Alaska Quest Card is used by households qualified through the Alaska Food Stamp Program to purchase food from farmers markets and grocery stores.
"This program improves access to fresh, local foods to community members who are struggling financially. Additionally, the program helps increase understanding of food insecurity issues in our community and how produce and other food vendors can be part of the solution," said Lisa Sadlier-Hart, manager of the Sitka Farmers Market.
Quest cards are accepted in the following locations:
Anchorage
Spenard Farmers Market; the Anchorage Farmers Market; and the South Anchorage Farmers Markets (Saturday and Wednesday)
Kenai Peninsula
Anchor Point Saturday Farmers Market & Swap Meet, and the Homer Farmers Market
Western Alaska
The Bethel Farm Stand and the Dillingham Farmers Market
Fairbanks
Downtown Fairbanks Market and Calypso School Garden Farm Stands
Southeast Alaska
Sitka Farmers Market
These markets will also host Match Days, when Quest card holders can get twice the amount of fresh, local food for the first $20 spent with their cards. Match Days are listed below:
Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula
First market of the month (markets happening twice a week will have matching both days);
Western Alaska, Fairbanks and Southeast Alaska
Throughout the summer until funds run out.
Check the Division of Agriculture website at www.dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ag_FMI.htm for more information on Alaska farmers markets, including those that accept Quest Cards. For more information on the Alaska Quest Card, go to www.akquest.alaska.gov.
See you at the market where it's Closer. Fresher. Better.
DNR press release
Alaska Dispatch Publishing