Fulton St Farmers Market goes high-tech

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Michigan farmers markets are going high-tech.

USDA Undersecretary Kevin Concannon was in Grand Rapids Wednesday morning talking about the multi-million dollar grant that's making it all possible.

Families who depend on SNAP or WIC funds will soon be able to buy fresh and local at almost any farmers market in Michigan and across the country.

The new technology is starting in Kent County.

Vendors at the Fulton Street Farmers Market now use iPhone devices to ring up SNAP or WIC cards from families on food assistance.

The changes are bringing in new customers and more money.

"A big increase, a 30% if not more," Jose Meza of Meza Farm said.

Meza's family has had a booth at the farmers market for 14 years. They're not the only ones seeing a boost in business.

"We're shattering records for the vendors every market day," market manager Melissa Harrington said.

The launch of last year's double bucks program has also set some records.

Families spend their food assistance at the farmers market, then a non-profit group matches that money, allowing them to spend double at the farmers market.

Concannon toured the cutting-edge market Wednesday morning. He checked out the changes that will soon go nationwide.

"The more that happens, the more that develops, it's kind of a return to American culture so people can come back to their roots so to speak and eat healthier," Concannon said.

The $4 million USDA grant will eventually bring 4,000 farmers markets across the country up to speed with the Fulton Street Market.