ATLANTIC, IA (May 27, 2021) – Produce in the Park is working to make fresh, local produce accessible for all people in the area, regardless of income. The Thursday evening farmers market is now accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, as well as Double Up Food Bucks. SNAP provides food benefits to needy families. Double Up Food Bucks is a related program to encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. For every SNAP dollar a customer spends on fresh fruits and vegetables, they receive another $1 in Double Up Food Bucks to spend on fresh produce (up to $10/day).

Fareway in Atlantic has been distributing and accepting Double Up Food Bucks since summer 2020, and Fareway Assistant Manager Mitch Millius says the program is going well. He says Double Up Food Bucks is, “a great opportunity for the community.” According to the latest Health Indicators Report from the Iowa Department of Public Health, approximately 15% of households in Cass County receive SNAP benefits. Cass County residents looking for information on SNAP and other food assistance programs available in the county can contact West Central Community Action in Atlantic at 712-243-5421.

Produce in the Park is a community-oriented farmers market held every Thursday evening (4:30-6:30 PM) from June through September in the Atlantic City Park. Shoppers can find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of crafting products such as candles, soaps, and lotions, and dinner for purchase on-site. The market also offers live music and will feature community organizations in 2021.

Produce in the Park 2021 summer farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass County Tourism, Camblin Mechanical, the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Cass Health, and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Stay up to date on the latest with Produce in the Park by signing up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at http://www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com, and following Produce in the Park on Facebook @ProduceInThePark and Instagram @ProduceInTheParkAtlanticIA.

Additional information:

Event: Produce in the Park Opening Day 2021

Date: Thursday June 3^rd

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W 7th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)

Details:

Farmers market shoppers will find fresh produce including radishes, green onions, lettuce, and zucchini, in addition to farm-fresh eggs, honey, local meats, jams and jellies, syrups, granola, baked goods, and dinner at the park. Home gardeners won’t want to miss starter vegetable plants, herbs, and flowers. Expect live music, community organizations, and a guest chef with food samples.

Pre-order online starting June 1 at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com/. Orders must be submitted by midnight, Wednesday, June 2^nd for drive-through pick-up at the market on June 3^rd.

NEW and Notable:

1. Park Packs: $15 boxes of produce from Brun Ko Farm and Erickson Foods. This week’s box includes zucchini, green onions, radishes, and lettuce. Pre-order or buy at the park.
2. Produce in the Park is now accepting SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks!
3. COVID-19 Vaccines will be available at the Park Opening Day Cass County PublicHealth nurses will be at the park offering COVID-19 vaccines. No preregistration is required. These will be Johnson & Johnson vaccinations, one dose and you’re done!