It seems like new things are happening every week at the Atherton Market in SouthEnd. With manager Lynn Shanklin Caldwell's energy, something is always in the works.
But this one makes me really, really happy to announce: Starting Tuesday (yes, that's today), the Atherton Market has EBT readers, allowing people with government-issued food benefits (AKA food stamps) to shop at the market.
Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal, but trust me -- it is. I've reported a lot over the years on food access and food regulation. To get this one, a market has to navigate all the mazes of the USDA, it has to have electricity and infrastructure, and it has to have vendors who agree to work with the program.
But when it comes to solving the issue of food deserts - neighborhoods with little or no access to affordable, fresh, healthful food - having small markets with EBT access is important.
"It was a year and a half in the works," Caldwell said Tuesday when I called to congratulate her on her tenacity. "It took a year and a half for the stars to align." With the Atherton Market's urban location, close to at least two low-income housing developments, it has the potential to get fresh, locally grown food in the hands of people who really need it. As far as I know, the Atherton Market and the Davidson Farmers Market are the only local farmers markets that have the EBT program.
In the meantime, Caldwell is charging ahead with other things at Atherton. In addition to several new stores, including the Spice Market and Simply Local (which now carries low-heat pasteurized milk from Homeland Creamery, btw), they're finishing construction on an expansion and getting ready to announce expanded hours. The market, 2104 South Blvd., is currently open 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
To keep up with all the new stuff happening over there, friend the market on Facebook. And if you see Lynn Caldwell, tell her she did good.
This is HUGE!!! That is absolutely wonderful news. I'm so thankful for folks who work to make things like that happen.
ReplyDeletethat is cool news. well done.
ReplyDeleteThis news is absolutely great. In addition to low-income residents, we have to be mindful of our senior population who may be on fixed income.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Anon 3:24. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is good news? That there's another place that will accept our tax dollars (and our unborn children's tax dollars) to pay for food? You guys are really living in a liberal fantasy world. We should be trying to move people off food stamps, not encouraging their use.
ReplyDelete@anonymous 3:54 Go somewhere else to pick your fight. Children and families who may not be as fortunate as you and I now have access to HEALTHY food. This IS GREAT news!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Lynn & thanks for reporting on this Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteI guess this is okay news but what we really need to talk about is the high cost of this food. Lets talk about the people who make just enough money that they don't qualify for government assistance but not enough to purchase food from Atherton. The sad thing is that we are being told how good this "Organic/Local" food is and we are priced out of it. Now we have the wealthy who can afford the high prices and the poor who don't have to factor food costs into their budget that can afford it as well. What about those in the middle who are working for the rich and paying for the poor?
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ReplyDeleteAnon 3:54, you do realize those unborn babies have to eat after they're born, no? And continue to do so daily, for multiple decades?
ReplyDeleteAs an advocate and supporter of born human beings of all ages, I appreciate all the hard work it took to make this happen!
The Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market has always said they take food stamps.Since "food stamps" are now EBT, I hope those cards can be used there.
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ReplyDeleteTo "Anonymous at 6:09pm" local food, especially vegetables, aren't expensive. I know, I'm a farmer & we haven't raised prices in 5 years. We started out selling at the old Tailgate Market. Right now our lettuce mix is $6 for 10oz. At Harris Teeter this week, it's on VIC special - $3.69 for 5oz.
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