Getting nutritious food is a SNAP at the farmers' market

The Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market will begin accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program electronic benefits transfers on Aug. 2 as a method of payment for qualified items.

The market has looked for many years for ways to overcome the barriers to accepting SNAP at the market, formerly known as the federal Food Stamp Program.

"We are pleased to announce that the day has arrived," a news release said.

"This move should prove to be a strong positive for our community and our farmers. We are eager to get started on Aug. 2 and invite others to volunteer and join with us as we grow our services to build community," said Ryan Johnson, market board president.

With the partnerships of Levi Hospital, the USDA, and Growing Healthy Communities -- Hot Springs, the market can begin to accept SNAP EBT in keeping with its mission to increase access to area farmers, healthful foods, nutrition education, and the arts.

The USDA -- Food & Nutrition Services and the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs recently teamed to broaden access to SNAP through farmers' markets.

"The board members of the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market felt this was an important way for us to improve the commitment to our mission," Johnston said

"We submitted an application and were accepted as a SNAP site this summer, but there were still hurdles for us to overcome. As a nonprofit organization, we knew we would struggle to cover the fees and the manpower associated with processing SNAP for our customers. Levi Hospital stepped forward as a strong community partner and agreed to underwrite the first 2,000 SNAP transactions in 2014. Volunteers from Growing Healthy Communities -- Hot Springs decided to help provide the initial manpower required to process and document the transactions. With these great partners alongside us, we are ready to launch."

Pat McCabe, president and CEO of Levi Hospital said that, in 2013, "Levi Hospital performed a Community Health Assessment to determine where we could increase services to better aid our community. Obesity, nutrition education, and access to healthy foods all rose to the top of the list of concerns among our respondents. Our Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market is a natural partner for us, as we jointly work together in growing a healthier community. We are honored to support the efforts by opening wide the doors of access for SNAP recipients."

Elaine Nesmith, GHC HS nutrition education committee chairwoman and market board secretary, said Growing Healthy Communities -- Hot Springs is a city of Hot Springs initiative "comprised of city employees and local volunteers all working together to increase access to healthy foods and physical activity with the goal of reducing obesity in Hot Springs. When the opportunity to accept SNAP at the market was presented to the nutrition education committee members, the overwhelming response was 'this is something we must do' and several enthusiastic volunteers stepped forward to begin the implementation of this effort. We are excited to partner in bringing this service to the market."

Email [email protected] to volunteer or for more information.

Entertainment on 07/24/2014

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