Written by Olivia Nygaard
Farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce—they are vital to local economies, communities, and sustainability efforts. However, amidst the farm-fresh goods and bustling crowds, market managers can face some pretty complex challenges: tracking sales, managing vendors, ensuring accessibility through food assistance programs, and coordinating volunteers.
That’s where Farm2Facts’ Central Terminal Tools come in. Below you will meet Farm2Facts’ very own Central Terminal Sales Tool and Central Terminal Tokens Tool who help give market managers the data they need to make informed decisions, improve vendor success, and expand food accessibility.
Tracking Market Growth with the Central Terminal Sales Tool
Understanding sales trends is essential to a thriving farmers market. The Central Terminal Sales Tool is here to help. The Central Terminal Sales Tool is a software feature designed to help farmers market managers track and manage sales data for vendors at the market.
What does it entail?
• Data Collection: Vendors simply need to input their market sales data on a digital or paper form. This provides flexibility based on their preferences, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Reports: The Sales Tool also generates reports that can help market managers apply for funding which is a vital aspect for some markets. The reports can showcase market success which will help your market receive more grants and funding.
• Customizability: Produce, meat, dairy, and artisan goods are all examples of different types of sales market managers could track through the tool, making this an extremely flexible and useful software.
• Privacy: Our Farm2Facts software prioritizes data security and diligently works to ensure vendor sales data is secure and only accessible to authorized users.
Enhancing Food Access with the Central Terminal Tokens Tool
The Central Terminal Tokens Tool can be a critical asset to expanding access to your market. The Central Terminal Tokens Tool simplifies the tracking of market token systems such as EBT/SNAP, WIC, and incentive programs (e.g., Double Up Food Bucks). Additionally, it establishes accurate accounting of token distribution and redemption.
What does it entail?
• Token Tracking: This tool can log every transaction involving both digital and physical tokens. This is beneficial because it helps market managers stay organized and have a clear understanding of token flow. In turn, it ensures accurate and efficient market operations.
• SNAP & Incentive Program Management: Remaining fully compliant with federal food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and other local incentive programs can be overwhelming. The Farm2Facts team and the Tokens Tool data can help manage the process and aid managers in following the SNAP/incentive program requirements. Read our blog titled, “EBT Terms Glossary: A Resource for All Things SNAP and EBT” to learn more about federal food assistance programs.
• Easy Reporting: The Tokens Tool generates reports accounting for the number of tokens distributed and redeemed. This is critical for operational transparency and reporting to stakeholders. These reports can aid in assessing the market’s participation in food assistance programs and track token effectiveness.
This tool guarantees smooth and equitable access to fresh food for your local communities—truly a win-win!
Smarter Tools = Stronger Farmers Markets
From tracking sales to managing food assistance programs, Farm2Facts’ Central Terminal Tools make farmers markets more efficient, accessible, and successful.
Are you ready to simplify your farmers market operations?
For step-by-step instructions to learn how to use Farm2Facts’ Central Terminal Tools visit our YouTube channel at anytime! For any additional questions, join our weekly member Q&A sessions held every Thursday, 10-10:30am CST.
