The Bibb County Extension Office and the West Blocton Farmers Market will host a public vendor meeting Monday, February 3 at 5:30pm at the West Blocton Public Library at 109 Florida Street, directly across from the U.S. Post Office, near Main Street. There is no cost to attend.
The purpose of this meeting is twofold: 1)train and certify growers raising fruits, vegetables and other plants on their property to accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers as payment from senior citizens; and 2)allow growers and producers of homemade arts, crafts and baked goods to learn more about the Market and complete vendor applications to sell products at the Market.
The SFMNP training will be provided by a representative of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority (AFMA). Persons who attend this training may be certified to accept the SFMNP vouchers from senior citizens at all farmers markets in Alabama, including the West Blocton Farmers Market. Senior citizens statewide who qualify and apply are eligible to receive $30 each for vouchers that can be redeemed with certified vendors at farmers markets statewide, including West Blocton’s.
Growers and artisans interested in selling at the West Blocton Farmers Market this summer must first obtain and complete a Grower’s Permit from the Bibb County Extension Office, as well as a West Blocton Farmers Market Vendor application. The latter must be approved by the Market. Both are free and available from the Bibb County Extension Office, 183 S.W. Davidson Drive Centreville, near the Courthouse Square.
The meeting will start with the AFMA providing the SFMNP training for vendors selling at the West Blocton Farmers Market. In addition, AFMA will provide “Sweet Grown Alabama” promotional information and materials. Those will be provided as part of the AFMA’s campaign to raise public awareness of farmers markets in Alabama, enhance marketing opportunities for the state’s farmers, and connect retailers and consumers to Alabama-grown foods and other agricultural products.
Then, West Blocton Farmers Market Manager Kathy McCulley will lead an informational discussion about plans for the Market, provide instruction on filling out the Market Vendor application, and answer questions the audience may have about the Market.
Starting June 4, the West Blocton Farmers Market will be on Thursday evenings from 5:30pm-8:30pm and continue through mid-August.
To register for the meeting, get more information about the Market, or receive assistance by phone to apply for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, please call Bibb County Extension at 205-926-4310, McCulley at 205-306-0130, or find the Facebook Event page “West Blocton Farmers Market Vendor Training, Meeting” https://www.facebook.com/events/592239438223045/ on the ‘Bibb County Alabama Cooperative Extension Office’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BibbCountyAlabamaCooperativeExtensionOffice/
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs.
