Accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables has been a real problem for many people. Organic and/or local foods have been more expensive, or have been perceived as costing more, causing shoppers to make cheaper food choices.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is making it easier for markets to accept electronic debit cards for payment. By doing this, people who are receiving support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can use their designated debit cards to purchase fresh, healthy food at their local famers markets.
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This is an important step in making local food available to more people in or near the communities where it is grown and produced. This process has worked well in areas across the country and now the government reports that the number of farmers markets licensed to accept SNAP benefits is growing at a steady pace. This is a win for families and individuals who will benefit from these healthy foods as well as local farmers who can continue to grow their customer bases. Farmers Markets in Iowa, Virginia and Michigan who have been doing this for several years, are a seeing a clear rise in sales.
