Food Stamps Are Worth Double at These Michigan Farmers Markets—Helping Families and Local Businesses

[eridani]

Anyone know of this program in operation in their state?

http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/04/23/food-stamps-are-worth-double-at-these-michigan-farmers-markets-helping-families-and-local-businesses/


Zilke is a farmer in Ypsilanti, Mich., population 20,000, where more than a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. Every week, she sells her vegetables at Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market, one of two in the city. Nearly 40 percent of the shoppers at both hubs are on some form of food assistance funding from the government.

The two farmers markets first started accepting payment through food assistance programs back in 2006. But that year, they only received $378 from the program.

But in 2010, an incentive program called Double Up Food Bucks expanded from Detroit to Ypsilanti. The program matches SNAP money (formerly known as “food stamps”) dollar-for-dollar when people spend it at farmers markets. That means shoppers can double up to $20 in spending on fruits and veggies. By 2014 customers spent more than $39,000 at these markets through initial SNAP dollars combined with Double Up’s supplement.

So instead of a customer base with $20 of SNAP money to spend, farmers like Zilke had a customer base with $40 to spend. “I make more money, I expand my business, and then I can hire more people,” Zilke said. “If I hire more people I then improve the bottom line of my community. It’s a ripple effect.”

That’s why the USDA is providing $31 million in grants to finance organizations around the country that, like Double Up Food Bucks, provide SNAP incentives. The grants were announced March 31 and were authorized under the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program in last year’s Farm Bill. Double Up Food Bucks will receive $5.1 million and will be matched in full by private donations.

[redwitch]

1. That is wonderful!

Let's hope it catches on everywhere. Farmers and hungry people benefit financially and people eat better too!

[haikugal]

2. Nothing in my area..sounds like a good program if you have access.

You can enter your zip code to see what's available.

http://www.doubleupfoodbucks.org

[eridani]

3. "Results not found" Great link--hope this spreads n/t

[JimDandy]

5. None...not even within 100 miles of me.

Maybe it would be faster and easier if they just list the few locations that are doing it...

Perhaps the farmers markets who do this program just haven't started up yet.

[haikugal]

9. That's possible..

[daleanime]

4. K&R.....

hopefully can spread this program around!

[Stryst]

6. Here in Bay County Florida

the Area Agency on Aging gives any seniors or disabled people on foodstamps $40 in vouchers that you can spend at the local farmers markets to get fresh, locally grown stuff. I'm already salivating for some watermelon and sweet corn.

[Milliesmom]

7. Also double here in Washington State, at least in Tacoma

[eridani]

10. Where in Tacoma? Couldn't find anything in Seattle n/t

[RiverLover]

8. Love this! Rec this!!!

kick it too. Thanks for posting eridani, you're the best! So are these folks in MI. Lets hope it catches on.