Markets update: 'Bridging the Gap' program ended April 4; SNAP double-dollars and farm-to-pantry to continue

At the April 9 Parks Board meeting staff summarized market programs and outreach efforts, saying the Bridging the Gap program — which began in November — ended April 4 after fulfilling its temporary purpose while SNAP benefit uncertainty was high.

Market staff reported Farm-to-Pantry has donated more than 3,700 servings of fresh produce to local food pantries (final numbers to be confirmed at the next meeting), and vendor-fee and vendor-application activity is rising ahead of the summer market season. Staff said 10 new vendor applications were on the agenda and the number had risen to 18 by the time of the meeting.

Staff also confirmed the SNAP double-dollars program will continue through a partnership with Reed Health; qualifying purchases at market vendors are eligible to be matched. The board discussed ongoing market events: a kickoff on May 2 at Jackstro, live music and popup markets in May, and an Arbor Day celebration later in the month.

Staff asked the board to note that final cash-out and revenue figures reported in the transcript include partially garbled line items and that final reconciled numbers will be provided in the next meeting packet.