FOR MARKET MANAGERS

Each season we work with Edible Rhody to provide seasonal farmers market, farm stand, and CSA information for publication in their quarterly magazine. We also do our best to help promote all RI farmers markets through our blog, social media, e-newsletter, and whenever possible in print and outdoor advertising efforts.

To request inclusion in Farm Fresh RI outreach, please email: markets@farmfreshri.org

Fresh Bucks are a token-based currency facilitated by Farm Fresh RI that are used at farmers markets across Rhode Island. Fresh Bucks enable farmers markets to accept debit and credit cards in exchange for Fresh Bucks coins that customers can use to purchase items directly from market vendors. Though an increasing number of vendors are accepting debit/credit cards at their own stands, not all can afford to. Fresh Bucks empower even the smallest farms and food businesses to accept payment from a wider array of customers.

To learn about setting up Fresh Bucks for your market, email: markets@farmfreshri.org

Fresh Bucks Handout for Your Vendors

Bonus Bucks Handout for Your Customers

We will always do our best to get you the resources you need, or connect you with the folks who can better help you.

NETWORKING

• Rhode Island State Farmers Market Networks
  Join the listserv for farmers market managers in Rhode Island. (You will first be asked to apply before being granted access to this listserv.) There you can ask questions, share resources, and participate in annual gatherings with other market managers across the state.
• National Farmers Market Coalition Resource Guide
  This is an ever-growing database of resources for farmers, market managers, and researchers.
• New England Ag Exchange
  For finding vendors and volunteers, consider this great online forum brought to you in partnership with Farm Fresh RI, Young Farmer Network, RI DEM, and RI Farm Bureau.

RESOURCES

• Accepting Senior Coupons
  Contact Christopher Rueckel (401-222-2781 Ext. 4510) at RI DEM Division of Agriculture
• Accepting WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program Benefits
  Email Sherrie Blanchette (401-222-4630) at RI Department of Health

All farmers markets operated by Farm Fresh RI accept SNAP/EBT. We are pleased to offer technical assistance to farmers markets across the state, in order to increase their customer base and serve a wider population by accepting this form of payment.

USDA
Learn more about the USDA's Food and Nutrition Services, including SNAP.

MarketLink
Find out if you’re eligible for free equipment, processing, and data services for accepting SNAP at your market.

If you have SNAP/EBT questions for us, email: markets@farmfreshri.org

Farm Fresh RI receives frequent requests to start new markets. We currently operate a number of farmers markets in Rhode Island, and are not looking to start any new ones at this time. However, we offer the following information to support your undertaking, and will be happy to answer questions and promote your market once it’s up and running.

Starting a New Market
Learn about key considerations to keep in mind before starting a new farmers market, plus the ins and outs of getting set up.