Fair Food Network in Ann Arbor gets nearly $5.2 million to boost fresh food access

The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Fair Food Network is getting nearly $5.2 million to help boost the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to people receiving food assistance.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced the multiyear funding as part of $31.5 million being distributed nationwide. The money seeks to help participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as the food stamp program.

 

The USDA said the Fair Food Network will use the funding to help expand the "Double Up Food Bucks" program that allows people to boost their purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables at stores and farmers markets.

 

The USDA said the grants were made through the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

 

The Fair Food Network grant will be matched with private funds for a total of nearly $10.4 million, the nonprofit said in a news release.

 

First posted at Crain's Detroit Business on April 1, 2015.