What are the best free things to do in Maryland?

Maryland's best free activities include the Smithsonian National Zoo (always free giant pandas, elephants, lions), Assateague Island National Seashore (free beach with wild horses), the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore (Egyptian mummies, medieval armor always free), Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (free wildlife drive with bald eagles), Artscape in Baltimore (July 17-19, 2026 America's largest free arts festival drawing 300,000+), and dozens of free weekly food truck series.

Are there free activities for kids in Maryland year-round?

Yes! Maryland has free family activities throughout the year. Year-round free options include the Smithsonian Zoo, the Walters Art Museum, all Maryland public libraries (free programs and events year-round), Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, and the Havre de Grace Waterfront. Summer adds dozens of free outdoor concerts, free food truck series, and free festivals across all 24 counties.

Which Maryland farmers markets accept SNAP and EBT?

Hundreds of Maryland farmers markets accept SNAP/EBT including the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar, Anne Arundel County Farmers Market, Field Fresh Farmers Market in Frederick, Bel Air Farmers Market, Carroll County Farmers Market, Oakland Mills Market in Columbia, ECO City Farms in Bladensburg, and the Riverdale Park Farmers Market. Most major markets across all 24 counties accept SNAP.

What is Maryland Market Money?

Maryland Market Money (MMM) is a program that matches SNAP/EBT spending at participating farmers markets spend $5 in SNAP benefits and receive $5 in free Market Money tokens to spend on additional fresh produce. This effectively doubles your purchasing power for locally grown fruits and vegetables. Many markets offer up to $10 in matching benefits per visit.

Do Maryland farmers markets accept WIC?

Yes! Many Maryland farmers markets accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits through the FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program). WIC FMNP vouchers can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at authorized market vendors. Contact your local WIC office or check the Maryland WIC website for a list of participating markets near you.

What is FMNP at farmers markets?

FMNP stands for Farmers Market Nutrition Program a federal program that provides WIC participants and low-income seniors with vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at authorized farmers markets. In Maryland, both WIC recipients and seniors through the Senior FMNP program can receive these vouchers. Contact your local health department for eligibility information.

Food Access 📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Maryland Farmers Markets That Accept SNAP and EBT 2026

Fresh, locally grown food should be accessible to every Maryland family regardless of income. The good news is that Maryland has one of the strongest farmers market food access programs in the country with hundreds of markets accepting SNAP/EBT, WIC, and the Maryland Market Money program that actually doubles your benefits. Here's everything you need to know.

💳 What Programs Are Accepted?

SNAP/EBT Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits; accepted at most Maryland farmers markets via EBT card readers
WIC Women, Infants, and Children benefits; accepted at participating markets for eligible families
FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted at many markets for fresh fruits and vegetables
Maryland Market Money (MMM) The best program: spend $5 in SNAP at a participating market and get $5 FREE in Market Money to spend on additional fresh produce. Effectively doubles your SNAP purchasing power.
SUN Bucks Summer food benefits for school-aged children; accepted at participating markets

🌽 Top Markets Accepting SNAP/EBT Across Maryland

Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar Maryland's largest market, Sundays under I-83. SNAP/EBT accepted; Maryland Market Money available.
Anne Arundel County Farmers Market (Annapolis) Year-round, producer-only. Full SNAP/EBT/WIC/FMNP acceptance.
Field Fresh Farmers Market (Frederick) SNAP, eWIC, FMNP, and Maryland Market Money all accepted every Saturday.
Bel Air Farmers Market (Harford County) 50-year-old producer-only market. SNAP/EBT/WIC accepted.
Carroll County Farmers Market (Westminster) 55th season. SNAP/EBT accepted alongside Master Gardener clinics every Saturday.
Oakland Mills Farmers Market (Columbia, Howard County) Multiple Best of Howard County awards. SNAP/EBT accepted.
ECO City Farms Market (Bladensburg, PG County) National food justice leader. SNAP/EBT, SUN Bucks, FMNP, SFMNP, eWIC all accepted; 50% discount with Maryland Market Money.
Riverdale Park Farmers Market (PG County) Year-round, 28 years running. Full SNAP/EBT/WIC/FMNP acceptance.

📍 How to Find SNAP Markets Near You

The USDA maintains a national farmers market directory at ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets where you can search for SNAP-authorized markets by zip code. Maryland Department of Agriculture also maintains a list of Maryland Market Money participating locations.