Low-income Utahns will have more opportunities to purchase farm-fresh food this summer.

Six farmers markets have signed on to accept Horizon cards, allowing families to use their public assistance allowance to purchase food directly from growers.

The need for public assistance continues to grow in the stalled economy, said Gina Cornia, of Utahns Against Hunger. Utah spent $35 million in grocery aid in April, she said, and even then, benefits are modest, about $1.36 per person, per meal.

In the Salt Lake City area the Downtown Farmers Market, Sugar House Farmers Market, People's Market and University of Utah market will accept food assistance Horizon cards in exchange for produce. And the International Rescue Committee will run a produce stand at Horizonte school, with fruits and vegetables grown by Utah's refugees.

"If you can shop around and find good produce prices, I think most people would rather support a local farmer," Cornia said.

The organization, dedicated to ending hunger in Utah, was able to provide mini grants of about $1,300 to the markets, which will cover startup costs associated with accepting Horizon cards. Markets will get an electronic debit machine that can access their assistance account.

Shoppers pick a dollar amount, swipe their card and then receive wooden tokens for the desired amount. Tokens can be used like cash, and farmers return them at market closing for cash. The tokens may only be used for food items, Cornia said.

At one market, shoppers get more for their money. The west-side People's Market matches dollars spent by Horizon card users, said market President Doug Williams. Users can withdraw up to $10 from their account and receive up to $20 in tokens to be used on food items. The program may not last all season, Williams said, depending on how many use it, but volunteers hope to gather more donations to keep it running.

For years, farmers markets have been stereotyped as high-end and high-priced venues out of the reach to those on a budget. But with more urban farmers participating at markets, Cornia believes eating locally grown food is affordable for everyone. Prices are often equal or less than those at supermarkets, and having more choice in the food their families eat is empowering for shoppers counting their pennies, she said.

"We feel it is really important to provide an opportunity for all people in our community to have access to healthier, locally grown foods," said Amy Barry, of the Sugar House Farmers Market.

Farmers like the system, Barry said, because it allows them to share their labors with more customers. Many sell at several local markets, and are already familiar with the token system.

Markets begin opening this weekend, though dates vary, and most continue through October. Cornia hopes to expand the program to more markets.

kdrake@sltrib.com

Twitter: @Katie_Drake —

Farmers markets accept food cards

Several Salt Lake City farmers markets are accepting food assistance Horizon cards this year. To use your card, visit one of the markets below:

Downtown Farmers Market • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays June 11 through Oct. 22 and 4 p.m. to dusk Tuesdays, Pioneer Park, 300 S. 300 West

People's Market • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays June 12 through Oct. 23, International Peace Gardens, 1000 S. 900 West

Sugar House Farmers Market • 3 p.m. to dusk Fridays July 9 through Oct. 15, 1100 E. 2100 South

U. of U. Farmers Market • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays Aug. 18 through Oct. 6, Tanner Plaza, 201 S. 1460 East

International Rescue Committee Farm Stand • 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays July 2 through Oct. 29, Horizonte School, 1234 S. Main St.