U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Ed Avalos will visit the Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg Farmers' Markets on Saturday to highlight success stories of the USDA grant program that he oversees for the federal government.

Avalos is expected to visit the Spotsylvania Farmers' Market at the Gordon Road commuter lot sometime around 9 a.m. and then the Fredericksburg Farmers' Market at about 11 a.m.

Elizabeth Borst, Spotsylvania Farmers Market manager and regional electronic benefit transfer (EBT) program leader said the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommended the Farmers Market.co to the USDA as examples of a successful Virginia program using the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program and Specialty Crop Block Grant funds. The Farmers Market.co is a regional market partnership that offers EBT and credit services to increase fresh food access and affordability and build market sales.

"We are pleased to welcome Under Secretary Avalos and to showcase Central Virginia's beautiful farmers markets", Borst said. "We are using USDA funds to support our EBT program, which enables limited income families to purchase fresh healthy foods at the farmers markets. Our Healthy Food Incentive Program provides a $10 match for federal nutrition benefits, giving these shoppers increased spending power that builds market sales and supports family farms. We see over 5,000 shoppers per week at four regional markets, and work with 80 plus market producers"

Borst said the new weekday Spotsylvania Farmers' Market at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center has created a successful link between community health and local foods.