Farmers Markets

In recent years, programs that double the value of food stamp dollars spent at farmers markets have generated a lot of attention. The basic idea: Spend, say, $10 in food stamps and get an extra $10 credit for purchases at the market.

WASHINGTON — Adding a few Detroit grocers to the dozens of farmers markets that double the amount food stamp recipients can spend on Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables may seem like small potatoes, but some local advocates believe it could be the leading edge of a new effort in the fresh food movement.

Dr. Hesterman was one of the speakers at Altarum’s recent roundtable on encouraging healthy food choices in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

For Immediate Release—May 14, 2013

Double Up Food Bucks program boosts local economy and healthy food access

New report confirms healthy incentives programs are good for farmers and low-income consumers

At FFN, we engage with stakeholders from many walks of life: low-income consumers who receive SNAP benefits, health care providers who serve low-income communities, community organizers, national thought leaders, and policymakers. Sustainable agriculture organizations, the antihunger community, the produce lobby, the consumer lobby, religious communities, and public health and health care organizations are critical allies in Farm Bill policy and politics.

Meeting the food needs of 9 billion people by 2050 will require increasing agricultural productivity in combination with other factors such as improving the nutritional quality of families’ diets.

Conventional wisdom says that to change behavior you need to use both a carrot and a stick. Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks Program (DUFB) demonstrates that even small incentives will change food purchasing and consumption habits.

Outreach, grants fuel growth and increased access

Michigan farmers markets experienced a 42 percent increase in the number of purchases made using a Bridge Card last year, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

In a city where liquor stores often double as grocery stores, fresh, affordable produce is often hard to come by for Detroit residents. This is especially true for low-income households that receive food assistance and have to stretch a set monthly food allowance.

Grant Awarded as Part of Nutrition Initiative

Fair Food Network is proud to announce the receipt of a $100,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.