AUGUSTA — National Farmers’ Market Week from Sunday through Saturday, Aug. 7 to 13, will highlight market access to SNAP (formerly food stamp) recipients.

According to the Farmers’ Market Coalition, Maine’s farmers’ markets saw a 3,804 percent jump of participation by those on SNAP from the 2010 season from the previous year. The increased involvement is due, in part, to programs like the one run by the Down East Business Alliance in partnership with Wholesome Wave, which help markets provide a double value program to SNAP customers.

Many markets that accept SNAP benefits also participate in a double value program. The matching funds are provided to SNAP participants to allow them greater access to healthy local foods. The program allows them to purchase more food at the market than they could otherwise afford. It also benefits the community as farmers, in turn, spend their increased revenues on local goods and services.

The Down East Business Alliance partners with the following area farmers’ markets and farm stands that accept SNAP benefits: Bridgton Farmers Market, Gardiner Farmers’ Market, Lakes Region Farmers Market, Lewiston Farmers’ Market and Crystal Spring Farm, Oxford.

For more information, call Sarah Joy Chaples at 664-2424, ext. 4460.