In Michigan they have a program that makes food stamps worth double at farmers’ markets. That’s a great idea.
I’m starting to think that local agriculture and things like farmers’ markets are the only hope we have against the obesity epidemic – oh, and believe you me it is truly an epidemic. Right now, more than 53 percent of the poor kids in Pima County are obese, and something like a quarter of the state’s population is also obese. That, my friends, is what we call an epidemic.
Science has not been able to solve this problem, so I say we give the farmers a whack at it. We should make food stamps in Arizona worth double at farmers markets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to try to get down off this soap box without busting my ass.
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2011.
Who cares about ripping off taxpayers with food stamps if only millionaires and billionaires pay for them!!!
Great. Another governmental solution.
I think it’s a great idea — helps the local farmers who sell at the local markets, and gives those who have to rely on food stamps a chance at some decent food in lieu of the high priced goods at markets in the low-income areas of the city. And, if you don’t think the prices are higher in those ‘hoods, just
go check out prices at the chain store (I probably can’t name Food City) on 22nd at Country Club, in case you’re chicken to go further south and compare them with Fry’s or Albertson’s elsewhere.
I found this amazing place with fresh vegetables and fruits. Quality dairy products and fish. They’re called Fry’s and they already take food stamps!
You have to be kidding ! Obesity isn’t about a lack of farmer’s markets for the general population. It is about eating and drinking more daily calories than the body needs. There are plenty of super markets and super stores that sell all kinds of fresh foods at well below farmers markets prices. I don’t think tax payer subsidized food stamps should be used to subsidize someone’s craving for heirloom tomatoes or fresh goat milk.
SNAP recipients in Pima County can double their food stamps for up to $10 dollars at certain farmers markets. It is posted on the Healthy Pima face book page on September 1st, called ‘Snappy Dollars’.
@Bill Sinnot: I used to think the same thing until I discovered what the Center for Disease Control calls “food deserts.” These areas, of which there are plenty in Pima County, have no access to healthy food and are typically almost exclusively fed by fast-food restaurants or convenience stores. The Community Food Bank is working to solve this problem by putting small farmers markets that sell fresh healthy food in low-income neighborhoods. Also, supporting local farmers keeps the money here in Tucson, which is good for all of us.
AZ is already on its way! As the above commenter noted, the Community Food Bank’s Farmers Markets here in Tucson and Marana already double the value of food stamp dollars through their “Snappy Dollars” initiative. There is a 10 dollar limit. The markets also accept WIC checks.
CFB also has a lot of programs to encourage urban farming – free gardening classes, a consignment stand at the markets for any gardener or small/independent farmer who wants to sell produce (or eggs, if you happen to raise chickens), etc.