The Okmulgee Farmers Market is just a few weeks away from ending for the season.

The market will close at the end of October and citizens still have an opportunity to take advantage of homegrown vegetables and locally sourced meats and eggs, and baked goods.

Oklahoma Nutrition Information Education Project Community Outreach Specialists Jade Owen and Meredith Scott, recently visited the local market to promote using fresh pumpkins.

The duo shared recipes and even made samples of pumpkin muffins and cookies to share with market visitors.

ONIE reminds citizens using the Senior benefit program, those end in October. Any seniors that have a senior farmer’s market card can also take advantage of those savings until the end of the month.

ONIE mission is to improve the health of Oklahoma families by offering various nutrition and physical activity programming, information and education materials throughout the state.

The representatives reminds and encourages families that use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to shop the farmers market.

There are 80 markets around the state, half of those accepting SNAP. The Okmulgee Farmers Market has accepted SNAP benefits for six years. As part of Double Up Oklahoma, those using SNAP at the Okmulgee Farmers Market can get up to $20 a day to purchase fresh produced from the market.

What CAN you purchase with SNAP benefits?

•Food items for the household

•Vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)

•Breads and cereals

•Fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned)

•Meat, fish, and poultry

•Dairy products

•Plants and seeds which produce food for the household to eat

“There’s several reasons to shop here,” Owen said.

She pointed out that all items are Oklahoma-grown, there’s lots of variety, and the family and gathering place shows a strong sense of community.

Eligible seniors can get a $50 gift card from the state to spend on locally grown produce, unprocessed honey and fresh cut herbs. It is seasonal so seniors are urged to use those before the end of the month.

Applications for the senior gift card can be made by contacting Bobby Howard at the Okmulgee County Health Department.

On the ONIE website, families can find lots of recipes that can be used to prepare foods purchased at the farmers market.

ONIE also conducts cooking classes and demonstrations, highlighting the importance of eating a well-balanced diet.

The Okmulgee Farmers Market is open every Friday May through October in downtown at the corner of 6th and Morton. The market is also open the first Saturday during those months.

For a complete list of all of Oklahoma farmers markets, go to www.onie.org.