The number of food assistance dollars being spent at Maricopa County farmers market has grown in recent years — by 1,200 percent.

But county officials hope this is only the beginning. That’s because the numbers are still pretty small. In 2008, $2,400 from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was spent at farmers markets. Last year, it was $32,000. Cindy Gentry of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said her department has been working to get the word out about the program, and how it gives people in need access to healthy, locally produced food.

It’s important for market organizers to think "OK, this isn’t so hard," she said. "It’s not so bureaucratic and for people from all kinds of economic backgrounds to see the market as a place that they are welcome to come." 

Gentry estimates SNAP dollars account for only two percent of money spent at county farmers markets. She said many factors can discourage SNAP recipients from using farmers markets.

"Sometimes the hours and the actual location, like how to get there on public transportation is a little tricky," she said. "Some people say that they think that the prices are higher. It proves to not be true."

So far, 16 of the more than 40 markets take SNAP.