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W-B Farmers’ Market takes credit, debit, ACCESS

Love fresh fruit and veggies from farmer’s market, but always forget to bring cash to go shopping?
Debit, credit and ACCESS cards can now purchase produce from local farmers at the weekly Farmers’ Market on Public Square.
The Commission on Economic Opportunity unveiled the Family Farm Project Thursday during the Farmers’ Market.
“It is a cooperative effort to help our local farmers’ increase their marketable, at the same time adding a convenience to the shopper who wants to use his credit or debit card and the ability for folks with ACCESS cards to come and buy good nutritious foods from our local farmers,” said Frank Conyngham, CEO’s Development Director.
If successful, this agricultural pilot program could be implemented at other small community farmers’ markets across the state, Conyngham said.
Each week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., CEO representatives will set up a table near the Kirby Center section of Public Square where people can buy small yellow plastic tokens for $1 each, charging the amount to their cards. People then use the tokens at all the farmers’ stands to purchase the food they want. Only fruits and vegetables from farmers can be purchased using the program. People can’t purchase processed foods, deserts, plants, flowers, purses, watches or other non-food items using the tokens.
Third-generation farmer Larry O’Malia of Plains Township was optimistic about the new program.
“We live in an age where a lot of people rely on using the cards. If you have another person or two who has an option, it opens up a door to another world of possibilities. It’s good for them and good for me, too,” O’Malia said.
Farmers accepting the tokens are reimbursed at the end of the day.
A similar project at the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh farmers’ markets has proven to be enormously successful, Conyngham said.
“We would like to see this grow so farmers can rent their own credit card terminals,” he said.
This project will continue until the market ends in October and will be resurrected again next year when the market resumes.