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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DOUBLE BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE PURCHASING FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES USING SNAP BENEFITS (Formerly known as Food Stamps) AT SELECT FARMERS' MARKETS PROVIDENCE - This summer, families on federal nutrition assistance can double their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets in Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket managed by Farm Fresh RI. Funding for the program is being provided by a grant from the non-profit Wholesome Wave Foundation. The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Agriculture supported Farm Fresh RI's application for the grant, as the Division's overall goal is to increase access to and consumption of locally-grown fruits and vegetables.Farm Fresh RI is piloting the Double Value Program for SNAP participants at seven farmers' markets this season, and will distribute $10,000 to families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits throughout the summer and fall. Both the RI Department of Human Services and the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America are helping Farm Fresh RI get the word to over 105,000 SNAP clients in RI. The Double Value Program is simple: a SNAP participant brings their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to the farmers' market and finds the Farm Fresh info booth. A staff person will swipe their card for the dollar amount they'd like to spend, and then match what they spend up to 10 dollars. For example, spend $10 of SNAP benefits at the market and receive $20 in Fresh Bucks tokens for use at the market. Doubling food assistance money helps needy families afford fresh fruits and vegetables and eat more healthfully, and the money they spend goes to support another challenged population: family farmers. Moreover, studies show that the SNAP program and similar forms of aid are an effective way to stimulate the slumping economy, creating $1.80 worth of economic activity for every dollar spent. Based on USDA research, it is estimated that each $1 in federal SNAP benefits generates nearly twice that in economic activity. Senior Farmers' Market Vouchers Being Distributed to Senior Centers DEM has received a $286,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program in Rhode Island this year. The grant, awarded to DEM's Division of Agriculture, is used to provide low-income senior citizens with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets and roadside stands throughout the state. The program enables participating seniors to obtain fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers' markets operating in Rhode Island, including the eight farmers' markets located in state parks and state offices. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs. To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. Qualified persons will receive three $5 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at approved farmer's markets and roadside stands statewide. The Senior Farmers' Market vouchers cannot be doubled at the farmers' markets operated by Farm Fresh RI. The program will continue through October 31. Senior Farmers' Market vouchers have been distributed since June at senior centers throughout the state. Interested seniors that have not already received a voucher book should contact their local senior center to check on availability of the vouchers. Information on the program is also available at meal sites across the state. Elders should call their local senior center or meal site, or they can call the DEA Customer Information, Referral and Assistance Center at 462-4000 (Voice/TTY). -30- |
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