The Best of the Highmark Farmstand, Easton Farmers' Market & Double SNAP Features

When United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley gave me the opportunity to research double SNAP locations in the area, I jumped at the chance to visit the place my friends had been talking about for weeks. Located in the heart of Easton, the Easton Public Market & Easton Farmers’ Market (EPM) are the place to go for fresh, nutritious, and exotic finds. The Highmark Farmstand is a mini-market inside the EPM; which is chock full of unusual, fantastic finds (tangerine lace, anyone?!). Rye berries, buckwheat groats, and freekeh are just some of the grains available; along with eclectic produce like zucchini blossoms, kohlrabi and jewel sweet potatoes. Infused salts, Pennsylvania maple syrup, local raw honey, and pumpkin butter line the edges of the market; with a freezer section that contains many eye-catching products. If you are looking for specialty items and produce from local farms- the Highmark Farmstand and Farmer’s Market are the places of you!

The majority of products found here are from local farmers, who can also be found at the Easton Farmers’ market outside, every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, selling their harvest and farm goods. What can you find at the farmers’ markets?

• Produce
• Meat
• Dairy
• Bread
• Honey
• Vegetable plants

And bonus: most of the meat and dairy products are pasteurized, hormone & antibiotic free, and non-GMO. A nutritious-conscious person and/or foodie’s paradise!

When I spoke with Megan McBride, the Easton Market District Director, she told me, “The goal is to make organic produce affordable enough. Most is chemical-free and sustainably grown.” This philosophy is consistent with the Food Access goal of community partner United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley- to increase healthy, nutritious food access in the GLV. 

A key feature of the Highmark Farmstand & the Easton Farmers' Market is not only the ability to use SNAP benefits but to receive double SNAP tokens- thanks to Buy Fresh, Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley; another community partner working towards the mission to improve food access and build the local food economy.

How does Double SNAP work?

• When you spend $10 on local foods using your SNAP EBT card, you will receive $10 in tokens, which you can spend at the outdoor farmers’ market.
• The Highmark Farmstand can take your EBT card directly, and you can use your double SNAP tokens at the outdoor market.
•  If you are at the outdoor farmers market, you will go to the terminal. There you can ask for the dollar amount you wish to spend using SNAP. If you ask for $20, you will get your $20 in SNAP and $10 in double SNAP tokens.
• The maximum amount of double SNAP you can receive for the trip is $10.
• There is no expiration for tokens, so if you have any leftovers from last summer, be sure to bring them in to get even more delicious, fresh food!

The Highmark Farmstand has almost 20 suppliers found all over Pennsylvania; from Saylorsburg to Center Valley to (what do you know) Paradise. With a variety of options and open 5 days throughout the week, there is something for everyone. The Easton Farmers’ Market boasts 35 vendors where almost everything is SNAP available- a perfect place to spend your Saturday. You can shop for nutritious, affordable, clean produce and products, allowing you to build appealing, healthy meals throughout the week. Be sure to bring your SNAP EBT card to get the most of your dollars & a little extra with those double SNAP tokens!