Diego Lopez, Editor
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — Sunshine, tacos, and handmade crafts made for another successful Saturday at the Grants Farmers Market, where the ongoing mix of local vendors, fresh food, and neighborly spirit continued to draw a healthy crowd.
Held weekly at Fire and Ice Park from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the May 17th market featured a wide range of offerings: farm fresh eggs, herb and vegetable plant starts, freeze-dried snacks, concrete garden art, lemonade, handmade crafts, and piping-hot tacos that had visitors lining up for a bite.
Whether shopping for the garden or just enjoying a weekend stroll, locals found plenty to love.
Among the familiar vendors and returning favorites, Grants MainStreet joined the festivities to promote their upcoming Spokes on 66 Car Show, set for June 7, which will bring classic cars and family-friendly activities to the heart of the city.
Also present was the Grants-Milan Rotary Club, fundraising on behalf of the Grants Animal Care Center. Final donation totals were still being tallied as of press time, but proceeds from the day will go toward feeding animals housed at the local shelter — a cause warmly received by marketgoers.
As always, the event offered more than just goods for sale. Market Manager Siobhan Archibald wrote, “Lovely morning at the Farmers Market! Plant starts, eggs, homemade crafts, freeze dried goodies, fresh hot tacos, lemonade, and lots more!”
One of the market’s biggest public services, however, continues to surprise and delight new visitors: the ability to use SNAP (EBT/food stamps) for eligible items — including produce, baked goods, and even plant starts that grow food.
For several shoppers, it was the discovery that EBT could be used to purchase local farm eggs that stood out.
Through its participation in the Double Up Food Bucks program, the Grants Farmers Market doesn’t just accept EBT — it matches every dollar withdrawn at the market manager's booth, providing up to double the value in tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Archibald has stressed that this initiative helps stretch food budgets while supporting local growers. “If you take $10 off your EBT card, we’ll give you $20 in tokens — half for produce, and half for other eligible goods,” she explained. “It’s a win for families and a win for our farmers.”
The market also accepts WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards.
The Grants Farmers Market runs every Saturday through October, and new vendors are welcome — especially those selling homemade or homegrown goods. Children 12 and under can even vend for free, as long as they are involved in making what they sell.
To get involved, follow the Grants Farmers Market on Facebook or email farmersmarket@grantsnm.gov.