Exercise Classes Offered, SNAP Benefits Available At Farmer's Market

The Lawrenceburg Farmer's Market is in its third year and runs through September.

Exercise classes and a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are offered at the Lawrenceburg Farmer's Market. Photo provided. 

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) -  Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles. That’s the theme of the Lawrenceburg Farmer’s Market this season, which is becoming a gathering place for the community to enjoy. Taking place in Newtown Park for the 3rd year, the Farmer’s Market is home to regular vendors, along with new and exciting features each week. For the first time, exercise classes led by Heather Carota, along with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are offered at the Lawrenceburg Farmer’s Market.  
 
Mind & Body Mash-Up in the Park, led by Heather Carota, features Yoga, Pilates and Barre on a rotating basis each week at the market, starting at 10:30 a.m. This exercise program promotes active living, taking place outdoors in the heavily shaded Newtown Park.  
 
“Come join us for a FUN workout done in the beautiful outdoors! It’s a great way to try something new or add to your weekly workout schedule,” says Carota.  
 
Each class is $5 per person. Children 12 & under can participate for free. 
 
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families,” and “is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.”  
 
With the support from the Farmer’s Market Coalition, food stamp recipients can shop at the Lawrenceburg Farmer’s Market. Ginn Farms representative, Trish Bellmore, is on site each week to offer assistance and education on the program. By offering this service, Bellmore is able to ensure that those eligible for SNAP are applying correctly and are able to maximize the benefits of this program.  
 
“We are excited to help Dearborn County residents get access to fresh, local food,” Bellmore states. “By supporting this program, we are also able to help local farmers increase their customer base.” 
 
Market vendors range from fresh produce, plants, local honey, eggs, jams, leather goods, handcrafted soaps & lotions, handmade goods, health-related services and more. Special activities for kids are also held each week at the market.  
 
The Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September. For more information, visit www.thinklawrenceburg.com. For more information about SNAP, visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplementalnutrition-assistance-program-snap.