USDA Program Makes Healthy Foods Available For Low Income Families – AG Matters

The USDA and the farming community are making healthy and fresh food options more accessible for low income families with SNAP benefits. Farmer's markets and stands have seen a dramatic increase in business since the programs' inception.

Cornell Cooperative Extension oversees The Eat Smart New York and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) programs that offer free nutrition education and obesity prevention lessons to help families manage food resources during tough economic times. You MAY be eligible to participate if you are applying for, or currently receive, food stamps (SNAP) or you participate in WIC, Head Start, Medicaid, Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

According to an article in Modern Farmer there's been a 600% increase in the use of benefits at farmer's markets and stands since the program's inception.

The first push was to increase the number of small vendors at farmers markets and farmstands that actually accept SNAP payments. That’s easier said than done; to accomplish the goal, the USDA had to provide, free of charge, thousands of machines capable of reading EBTs, or electronic benefit transfers.

The local team based out of CCE's Oneida County office hopes to increase SNAP-EBT sales at farmers’ markets, farm stands, CSA’s and other direct market outlets by 20% over the next 4 years.  To find out if you're eligible for the benefits visit the Eat Smart New York North Country web page or call (315) 736.3394 ext. 106.

If you are a farmer or farm product vendor and would like more information on how to accept SNAP EBT, contact Debra Richardson, Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County at 315-736-3394 ext 167 or the NYS Farmers Market Federation at (315) 400–1447.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension