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'I really could not do it without this:' Twiggs County farmers' market helps EBT users

Rag & Frass Farm in Twiggs County sells produce half off for people using EBT.

MACON, Ga. — A Twiggs County farmer wants to help get fresh produce to some people who may not be able to afford it. Farmer Julia Asherman says her goal is to give everyone access to fresh fruits and veggies. People who use food stamps like EBT can now catch a deal on her produce. 

Tuesday afternoon, Rag and Frass Farm hosted its first on-farm market. Elizabeth Tyre says she's grateful the farm accepts EBT so she can feed her 3-year-old daughter healthier food.

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"Being a single mom and wanting to have those good foods for my daughter, I really could not do it without this," said Tyre. 

Farmer Julia Asherman has owned the farm for seven years and says Twiggs County doesn't have many fresh food options.

"We only have one grocery store, so it made sense to at least make it available," said Asherman. 

Asherman says her farm partners with an organization called Wholesome Wave Georgia. That partnership allows people who use EBT to either buy two items for the price of one or get produce half off.

"Junk food is cheaper for a lot of reasons, but it's not healthy, so we want to make sure everyone has access to healthy food, not just people who can afford it," said Asherman. 

Asherman says EBT users can spend up to $50 at her farm each week. Tyre says the farmers' market will save people time and money. 

"For me, I know that it's been such a blessing," said Tyre. 

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Asherman sells organic produce and hopes to eventually have other vendors sell food and products at the market in the future. The market is held every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Jeffersonville at 15176 US Highway 80. 

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