TMSG: Locals Save With Double-Up Food Bucks Program

August 20, 2013

Source: WLNS.com
Author: Evan Pinsonnault

LANSING, Mich. (WLSN) – Chris Keith has a sweet nickname, "the blueberry lady," but a healthy gameplan when it comes to shopping.

"It's very important for my family to eat healthy. My kids are my babies. I want them to grow up to be big and strong and eating fresh fruit and vegetables is a part of that," said Keith.

A very expensive part that often had her struggling financially. Until she enrolled in the Double Up Food Bucks Program.

"It takes what a lot of us lower income people view as tough to get and makes it more affordable," Keith says.

It's a program that allows people have Bridge cards double their money when they spend it on healthy food choices at the Lansing City Market.

Heather Hymes, the Lansing City Market manager, says eligible people can use their double-up food bucks daily from now until October 31, both at her market and 11 other mid-Michigan farmers markets.

"People can get up to $20 a day matched and its good for Michigan made and grown products and their other Bridge card dollars can be used for milk, eggs, bread, cheese," Hymes says.

The program helps not only the customers, but local vendors certainly appreciate the support, too.

"Buying local Michigan produce, there's not the cost of shipping which benefits Lansing taxpayers and we also try to educate people that didn't understand the value of having the fresh stuff over the processed. It's much healthier," said John Decker with the Hickory Corners Greenhouse & Nursery.

This is the third year the Double Up Food Bucks Program has been going on in Michigan and it's the only one of its kind in the country.

If you'd like more information, head to Seen on 6.

Originally posted at WLNS.com on August 16, 2013. You can email Evan Pinnsonnault at epinnsonnault@wlns.com.