Farmers and Craft Market reports $83,000 in nutrition-program redemptions, broad vendor participation

Karen Bradshaw, manager of the Farmers and Craft Market of Las Cruces, told the City Council that the market continues to support SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and senior programs, and that the site remains a major weekly draw for vendors and visitors. Bradshaw said, “we took in 43,000 in SNAP, and we did 40,000 in the double up program,” and described the market’s vendor makeup: 151 permanent members, 126 temporary vendors, 68 musicians and a wide mix of farmers, artisans and prepared-food vendors. Nut graf: The market’s publicly reported redemption totals and vendor counts show both its role as a food-access conduit for low-income residents and as a major event that drives downtown foot traffic; Bradshaw also described awards and media partnerships that raise the market’s profile. Bradshaw listed support programs and partnerships including SNAP/Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, the senior program, the USDA “Taste the Tradition” recognition, and acceptance by the New Mexico Department of Tourism. She described media relationships — Adams Radio remotes, KTAL and KRWG broadcasts — and said the market was named best attraction and best local event in local awards. Bradshaw said the market supports roughly 32 direct farm vendors and 194 arts-and-craft vendors (permanent plus temporary) and highlighted special events — a pet costume contest and an Easter egg distribution joint event that distributed about 12,000 eggs in collaboration with Keep Las Cruces Beautiful. The presentation was informational. Council members thanked staff for the market’s role as a “stepping stone for small businesses” and for bringing people downtown on Saturdays. No formal action was taken on the market update. Ending: Bradshaw encouraged residents to vote in national contests and attend upcoming market events; the council did not vote on any market-specific measures during the session.