Farmers' Market Cost-Share Programs

Fiscal year (FY) 2025 end date program changes 

We've made a major change to the Farmers' Market Cost-Share programs:

• The application period close date of June 1, 2025 has changed to January 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025 to be considered for reimbursement.

The Farmers' Market Cost-Share Programs include the:

• Senior Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Program
• Food Assistance Cost-Share Program

These programs offer financial assistance to Minnesota farmers' markets to buy equipment and supplies needed to support:

• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
• Other food assistance programs

Funding

For July 1, 2024, to January, 31 2025, we have up to:

• $50,000 available through a USDA SFMNP American Rescue Plan Act Grant for Senior Farmers’ Markets Cost-Share Program reimbursements
• $200,000 in one-time state funding available for the Food Assistance Cost-Share Program reimbursements

We’ll review and score proposals on a first-come, first-served basis until the application period ends or we run out of funds.

• The application period ends on January 31, 2025.
• Markets can submit multiple applications. The maximum amount each farmers’ market association can receive is $2,500.

Eligibility

Senior Farmers’ Market Cost-Share

• Open to farmers’ markets in Minnesota that are authorized to participate in the SFMNP in 2024.
• Maximum of $1,000 per market association.
• Reimburses expenses that help increase Senior FMNP benefit redemption, such as:
  • Technology upgrades, equipment, supplies, and services for the program’s modernization to a QR code for electronic benefit redemption
  • Transportation for bringing senior participants to the farmers’ market
  • Other expenses approved by the MDA
• Expenses must be incurred between July 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

Food Assistance Cost-Share

• Open to any farmers' market in Minnesota that participates in one or more nutrition assistance programs.
• Maximum of $1,500 per market association.
• Reimburses expenses directly related to operating food assistance programs such as FMNP, SNAP, and EBT, including:
  • Staff time and volunteer stipends
    • Note: Staff time will be reimbursed at a maximum rate of $20 per hour or based on actual costs, whichever is lower
  • Program specific signage
  • Storage
  • Printing of program tokens or other program materials
  • Other expenses approved by the MDA
• Expenses must be incurred between July 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

Ineligible Expenses

Examples of ineligible expenses:

• Tables, chairs, and benches
• Expenses that are reimbursed by another state or federal program
• General business expenses such as rent, utilities, licensing, insurance or registration fees

We will add to this list as we make decisions. Contact us if you have questions on eligibility.

How to Apply

We are accepting applications until January 31, 2025, or until funds run out.

• Apply online.
  • If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
  • Once you are logged in, select "Farmers’ Market Cost-Share.”
  • Upload proof of payment (receipts or invoices with a zero balance) for expenses paid during the eligible period.
  • If you don’t have receipts, you can send a copy of the invoice with proof of payment (a canceled check or credit card statement with account and other private information redacted).
  • Complete staff time log, if applicable.
  • Complete the online W-9 PowerForm hosted by DocuSign, our secure signing system.

Contact us if you have questions or need help with the application.