Jerome, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Earlier this month, the Jerome Farmers Market set up shop near the Flying J at Crossroads Point.

And, if all goes according to plan, it could soon be among the growing number of farmers markets accepting alternative forms of payment.

Like many of the other markets in the area, vendors at the Jerome Farmers Market sell fresh produce, plants, meat and other goodies.

But, soon it could offer something many other markets don't.

"There's a definite need to be able to offer products, produce, fresh vegetables to the public and food stamps is a way to help them out," said Kathy Bartholomew, Jerome Farmers Market.

The market is a member of the Farmers Market Coalition, a nationwide group that works in the political arenas to pass legislation to benefit farmers markets.

"They are working state by state to pass legislation to make it easier to accept food stamps, and SNAP and WIC and everything to help the public,” said Bartholomew.

This would allow those on lower incomes the option to buy affordable, nutritious and locally grown foods.

"They could buy beef, they could buy pork, they could buy bread, they could buy vegetables, plants that they could actually grow their own," said Bartholomew.

As Jennifer Moss, of Moss Greenhouses explains, growing your own fruits and vegetables is less expensive than shopping in grocery stores.

"You put the money out forward in the beginning where you spend a couple of dollars on a couple of plants and then all Fall and the late Summer you have produce," said Jennifer Moss, Moss Greenhouses.

This packet of four tomato plants costs $1.95 at Moss Greenhouses. And, one of them will feed a family of four for the entire season.

"We can teach you how to grow your own garden. It's not hard at all. It just takes a couple of hours and a little bit of dirt," said Moss.

It’s a small price to pay for months of fresh produce.

The number of farmers markets nationwide grew by 17 percent from 2010 to 2011.

The United States Department of Agriculture attributes the rise in popularity to consumers' desire to buy fresh products directly from the farm.

The Jerome Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.