Fair Food Network receives multi-year grant from Ruth Mott Foundation

Fair Food Network is proud to announce a multi-year grant of $240,000 from the Ruth Mott Foundation for our Double Up Food Bucks Program (DUFB) in Flint, Michigan. This program is funded by a generous challenge grant from Open Society Foundations, which will match these funds dollar for dollar in Flint area farmers’ markets, providing incentives to encourage healthier food choices for food stamp (SNAP) recipients.

Oran Hesterman, President and CEO of FFN, comments, "We are pleased to have the confidence and support of the Ruth Mott Foundation, which is committed to cultivating community vitality and supporting healthy nutrition. We are looking forward to working in the Flint farmers’ markets to provide greater access to healthy, fresh, and locally grown fruits and vegetables to low income families while supporting local farmers."

Executive Director of the Ruth Mott Foundation, Steve Wilson, says, "It is wonderful to be part of such a collaborative effort of national and local funders for this healthy food work which is important for so many in the Flint community."

Program Progress

• Between August 7 and October 30, 2010, $111,585 in SNAP benefits were used at the15 farmers’ markets participating in FFN’s Double Up Food Bucks Program.
• These SNAP dollars were matched by another $91,866 in DUFB tokens to buy fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.
• A total of $203,451 worth of fresh, healthful produce went to low-income families, many living in urban food deserts – and those dollars flowed directly to small farmers and their rural communities.

Thanks to the support from the Open Society Foundations, the Ruth Mott Foundation and others. We look forward to expanding this program across the state of Michigan during the next 3 years bringing more healthy, fresh, local fruits and vegetables to an even larger number of families, especially children.