gucci on sale New Program Aids Food Stamp Recipien

Those who run the farmer’s markets are aware of the price issue. Bernadine Prince, co-director of the nine FreshFarm Markets in metropolitan Washington.
The idea is to support small farmers and those on food stamps at the same time. But some of the barriers include lack of funds to subsidize the programs, and in addition [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the machine to take debit cards costs $1,000. Also, various regulatory issues on a state and local level must be overcome.
“We know sometimes the food is not as affordable. The whole idea of Double Dollars has made food more affordable. We hope the people will come and get fresh food and make it a habit.”
One way to overcome the expensive Electronic Benefit Transfer equipment the small vendor may not have is to provide tokens or vouchers. The food stamp recipient arrives at the market, goes to a central point, and buys vouchers. Then they shop at any stall, though they don’t get change with a purchase. The vendors then redeem their tokens for cash.
“With names like Boston Bounty Bucks [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], Fresh Checks, and Double Dollars, programs at a few farmers markets across the country-including some in the Capital foodshed-offer economically vulnerable people a deal they cannot refuse: as much as $20 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables for $10.”
One highly successful strategy is to bring a vehicle into the inner city equipped to process the debit cards, and loaded with fresh produce that is not boxed, graded, or otherwise processed for looks. In a test run, the mini-van went to four different neighborhoods in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and typically sold $3,000 worth of half priced vegetables and fruits in four hours.
All in all, this new program is an innovative way to strengthen small farms, provide healthy food for a reasonable cost to those less advantaged, and help the environment by not having to transport produce from distant locations.
High Prices Acknowledged As Barrier To Sales of Local Produce
The concept came from the reality that poor people often cannot afford the high quality produce that is usually sold in upscale markets, or in locations far from their homes, in remote areas. It works well with the explosion of farmer’s markets nationwide, showing up in various urban areas, and doing a brisk business with organic and local produce.
Mobile Veggie and Fruit Stall is Working Well in Connecticut
Source: Flavor Magazine, Feb/Mar 2010
They are given vouchers that double their purchasing power, and the cost is subsidized by non-profits, state governments, and the federal government. In an article in the Feb/Mar issue of Virginia-based Flavor Magazine, writer and cookbook author Marian Burros describes the process.
Burros states there were 5 [link widoczny dla zalogowanych],274 farmer’s markets nationwide, a number that has doubled since 2000. Unfortunately, they are out of reach for many of the poor because the produce costs too much or is not available where they live.
Voucher and Tokens Allow Purchase of Produce
Read on
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Burros states that the largest organization involved in the process, Wholesome Wave Foundation, is making an effort to overcome such problems, and this year will support 100 markets in 20 states. Their goal is to divert 1 percent of food stamp purchases in the near future to the program, resulting in $150 to $200 million to small farmers.

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