How The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Can Benefit Your Farm Or Farmers Market

Lauren Alexander

Lauren Alexander

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, represented a significant slice of the 2014 Farm Bill pie, with nearly $100 million dedicated to increasing fruit and vegetable purchases among millions of low-income individuals and families.

As further incentive to increase fresh produce consumption among SNAP recipients, the program features the ability for users to redeem their funds at farmers markets and through direct marketing farmers. According toSnapToHealth.org, SNAP redemptions at farmers markets and food stands doubled from $2 million to $4 million from 2008-2009, and today, there are more than 1,150 farmers markets and stands accepting SNAP funds across the U.S. Furthermore, funds are available to eligible direct farm marketers to purchase wireless point-of-sale (POS) equipment to help facilitate the purchasing process.

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Additionally, there are several state and local programs spread across the country that allow SNAP recipients to double their funds to encourage produce purchases. For example, the Double Up Food Bucks program in Michigan matches purchases up to $20 at more than 90 participating markets. There’s also the Double Value Coupon Program, (DVCP) which was launched in 2008 at farmers markets in Connecticut, California, New York, and Massachusetts. According to DVCP’s website, in 2012, 40,000 DVCP consumers purchased fresh, healthy produce from local farmers at partnering farm-to-retail venues, an increase from 20,000 participants in 2010.

USDA offers some good tips for growers interested in attracting SNAP customers to their markets including placing signs in the market to direct SNAP card holders to POS machines, making sure vendors have signs displaying they accept SNAP, and asking your town or county to post signs along the road leading to your market.

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In the end, it’s a win-win situation for both SNAP recipients and growers. Recipients gain increased access to healthy, fresh foods, and growers and marketers are able to increase their customer base.

If you’re interested in accepting SNAP benefits at your farmers market, visit USDA’s Food And Nutrition Services webpage to learn more.

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