The Crossroads Farmers Market has become one of 21 farmers markets in the state to be fully equipped to accept credit, debit and Electronic Benefits Transfers (EBT Food Stamps) to purchase market goods, including fresh, local farm products.

The Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) Wireless Technology Pilot Project was made possible through the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Initiative, passed by the state Senate and House of Representatives last spring.

The final bill provides for $50,000 to be awarded by WSFMA, through Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services, to assist farmers markets in developing the capacity to accept wireless electronic payment cards. The selected farmers markets will participate in a two-year program.

Market shoppers will use their cards to purchase tokens which will then be used to buy locally produced goods from individual vendors.

The intent of the pilot is to increase access to fresh, high-quality locally grown foods through Washington state farmers markets. Data collected during the pilot project on the amounts and number of the various electronic payments will be used to measure tangible benefits to participating markets in the future.

The Crossroads Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from noon – 5 p.m. at Crossroads Bellevue Mall through Oct. 6.