GASTON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS ACCEPTING SNAP FOR 2026 SEASON

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – Farmers markets in Gaston County are again accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this year, with Belmont, NC Farmers Market accepting SNAP for the first time ever beginning in April.

Beginning this spring, farmers markets in Gastonia, Mount Holly, and Belmont will accept SNAP benefits. SNAP participants, regardless of what county they live in, can simply visit the information/welcome booth at each location and tell the staff how much they would like to spend on their EBT card. Market staff then swipe the shopper’s EBT card using a wireless card reader, like how a debit card is used in a grocery store. In exchange, the shopper receives tokens or paper vouchers equal to the amount they selected.

Gaston County Public Health staff supports local farmers markets in order to help reduce barriers to healthy food, increase food choice for families, and strengthen the local food system.

“It is important for local farmers markets to accept SNAP benefits because it increases access to healthy, fresh foods for individuals and families who may otherwise have limited options,” said Regina Knox, Health Education Coordinator for Gaston County Public Health. “It allows participants to use their benefits to purchase nutritious items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, and other locally produced foods that support a balanced diet.”

Tokens can then be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food items from participating vendors at the market for home preparation and consumption. Vendors collect the tokens throughout the market day and later return them to the market manager for reimbursement. This system allows SNAP participants to shop throughout the market while ensuring vendors are properly compensated for the food they sell.

Belmont, NC Farmers Market, held at Stowe Park, is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from April through October. 24 S. Main St., Belmont, 28012.

Gastonia Farmers Market, located at 410 E. Long Ave., Gastonia, 28054, is open 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday from April through November, as well as Tuesdays and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from May through October.

Mount Holly Farmers Market, located at 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly, 28120, is open 8 a.m. to noon from April to October.