The USDA has announced 2010 grants for the Farmers Market Promotion Program, with a stated goal of expanding consumer access to food and promoting new income opportunities for food producers.

More than one million dollars will go to 27 new EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) projects, with another eight projects receiving an additional $235,103 in support of existing EBT projects. These grants amount to approximately 30 percent of the $4,099,897 total announced. These projects will help increase access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers using funds provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

The complete Press Release, along with a state-by-state listing of grant recipients, can be accessed here.