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It’s known that all Americans need to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in their diet, especially those in underserved areas.
USDA announced in a recent article, that residents from Philadelphia are using their benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to purchase more locally grown food.
In fact, an six-fold increase of purchases have been calculated since 2008. This means that previous food deserts and low-income populations, are eating fresher, locally grown foods. The Latino population in Philadelphia is just over 13%, with many living in low-income neighborhoods or “food deserts”. Increased access to locally grown foods in farmers markets, with USDA’s SNAP program is beneficial to having access to healthy food for the Latino population.
In the article, Secretary Kevin Concannon explained the need for SNAP in farmers markets, “Redemptions through farmers and producers nourish local economies, while helping those in underserved neighborhoods.”
Through a partnership with the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs, USDA provides free wireless equipment to qualifying farmers and farmers markets, allowing them to accept SNAP via electronic benefit transfers (EBT).
To learn more about SNAP and grants for Farmers, click on the full article here.
By The Numbers
1
Supermarket
for every Latino neighborhood, compared to 3 for every non-Latino neighborhood
