Eckert’s says it is now accepting SNAP benefit payments

Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, one of the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own farms in the United States, says that it now accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments via EBT cards.

Guests can use their SNAP benefits at Eckert’s Country Store, Garden Center and for the farm’s Pick-Your-Own fruits and vegetables program at its farm in Belleville, 951 South Green Mount Road.

By accepting SNAP payments, visitors can purchase items such as farm-fresh vegetables and fruits alongside other groceries inside the Country Store including meat, fish, dairy products, bread, and fresh produce, excluding hot prepared foods. Shoppers will also be able to extend those benefits to the popular pick-your-own series at the Belleville Farm for pick-your-own asparagus, tomatoes, beets, zucchini, strawberries, blackberries, peaches and apples, excluding cut-your-own Christmas trees. At Eckert’s Garden Center, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase seeds to grow fruits and vegetables at home.

“Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Eckert’s,” says Chris Eckert, president of Eckert’s Inc. “From the very beginning, we’ve always strived to put more farm-grown produce and local foods in the hands of our community where it matters most. We now have the opportunity to provide fresh and healthy food straight from the source to those who may have limited access otherwise.”

The acceptance of SNAP comes after Operation Food Search and Eckert’s wrapped up a successful gleaning partnership to aid the nonprofit organization’s network of more than 200 food pantries, shelters, and food sites located throughout the bi-state region.

“For years our Eckert’s team members have worked to harvest fruit so we could donate to our neighbors in need. The 2021 gleaning partnership with Operation Food Search and US Foods was an excellent reminder of how many people are in need of homegrown fruits and veggies. We’re excited to feed even more people throughout the region with the SNAP benefits acceptance program,” said Eckert.

Eckert’s hopes to extend the SNAP benefits to its pick-your-own series to its other locations in Versailles, Ky., and Grafton and Millstadt.