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Grant allows for SNAP and free transportation to NU Farmers Market

By Clay Schuldt 3 min read

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Farmers Market is returning to downtown New Ulm this summer with greater access.

Thanks to a $10,000 reimbursement grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture this year's farmers market will have free transportation options, runners service and continuation of the SNAP/EBT program.

This will be the second year the New Ulm Area Chamber has organized the farmers market. Chamber President Sarah Warmka said late last year, the market started accepting SNAP/EBT cards for the first time. This year, thanks to the Ag grant they will be able to take SNAP/EBT on the first day.

Warmka said the purpose of the grant is to make fresh local foods and the Nutrition Assistance Programs available more accessible to everyone in the community.

"SNAP and EBT users can triple their dollars at the farmers market," Warmka said. "You can swipe you card for $10 worth of EBT/SNAP dollars and get $10 for Market Bucks and $10 for Market Produce Bucks."

The Chamber is excited to bring the EBT/SNAP program back for a full year, but the grant will also make it easier for customers to reach the farmers market. Hermann Express and Heartland Express are collaborating with the Chamber to offer free rides to the farmers market.

Warmka said anyone catching a ride on Hermann Express Thursdays and Saturday simply tells the bus driver they are going to the Farmers Market. The bus will drop them off at 1st South and Minnesota Street a block down from the market.

"This will not cost the rider anything if they say they are going to the farmers market," Warmka said.

The cost of the ride will be reimbursed through the grant. Heartland Express will also offer the free ride service, however Heartland does not run on Saturdays. The service would only be available on Thursdays. Heartland does require riders schedule the ride at least one day in advance.

During Thursday afternoon markets, customers will also have the service of special grocery "runners."

Warmka said for anyone who has trouble moving their groceries, they can ask for the service of a runner. The runners will be wearing special identifying vests and will help carrying anything to a car or back to the bus if needed. There will be two runners working during Thursday's market.

The New Ulm Farmers Market opens Thursday, June 19. It will be held 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays throughout the summer and fall. The last market will be held Saturday, Oct. 11.

This year's market will be located at 15 S. Broadway in the A to Zinnia parking lot and the adjacent portion of 1st South Street. This is the same location the market was held in 2024. Warmka said a survey from vendors indicated this was the preferred location for the market.

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