The Double Up Food Bucks healthy food incentive program, led by the Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program, is returning to the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market starting May 28.
A program of the Ann Arbor-based Fair Food Network, Double Up matches the value of federal nutrition benefits spent at participating farmers markets, helping people bring home healthful, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Elaine Nesmith of ArCOP Growing Healthy Communities in Hot Springs said in a news release, "Last year the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market was one of six selected to host a doubling incentive pilot project in Arkansas. The program saw exponential growth in SNAP sales over the 2014 season and we are excited to see it both continue and expand in 2016."
Double Up matches the value of SNAP -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps -- purchases made at participating sites with additional dollars to spend on fresh, locally grown produce. For instance, a family that spends $10 in SNAP benefits at a participating farmer's market receives an additional $10 in Double Up Food Bucks to purchase Arkansas grown fruits and vegetables.
The wins are threefold: low-income families eat more healthful foods, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy. Each has a ripple effect of benefits, resulting in winning solutions.
SNAP will be accepted and the DUFB incentive program will be in place at the farmer's market on Saturdays through Oct. 29 at the Market Pavilion, 121 Orange St. Market hours are 7 a.m. to noon.
Entertainment on 05/26/2016