The Mulberry Street Market will be strengthened under a new federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is granting $87,165 to Community Health Works, which plans to use the money to better market and run the farmers market that runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays in front of the Grand Opera House in Macon.

Fred Ammons, who runs Community Health Works, said changes will include the creation of an online market that allows people to select produce, dairy, meat and bread from their computers, then pick them up at a location in their part of town.

“If we can’t bring people to the market, we’ll bring the market to them,” Ammons said.

The grant will also be used to convert an existing part-time position into a full-time job to develop and promote the Mulberry Street Market.

The funding will also help with a marketing and educational campaign. Ammons said one thing that will be advertised is the market’s year-old partnership with the food stamp program. Recipients can swipe their EBT card for $10 worth of food stamps, then receive $20 worth of credit that can be used at most of the vendors. The food stamp subsidy is supported by private donations, Ammons said.

The food stamp subsidy program has provided $20,000 worth of healthy food since it began a year ago, Ammons said.

Community Health Works said Mulberry Street Market provides sustainable, local agriculture that helps local residents get better, healthier, locally produced food.

To contact writer Mike Stucka, call 744-4251.