As soon as seen as area of interest, farmers’ markets are more and more turning into important for meals entry for low-income communities, with meals stamp gross sales holding regular after a post-pandemic surge and amid coverage adjustments.
Nationally, spending at farmers’ markets utilizing Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP), previously referred to as meals stamps, rose from $13.3 million in 2013 to $70.6 million – a 431% improve – in 2023, the newest information accessible.
That development surged in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending by SNAP at farmers’ markets, farm stands, pick-your-own operations, and Neighborhood Supported Agriculture (CSA) noticed the sharpest improve amongst all retail channels, rising 77% from 2020 to 2021. The spike was pushed by a brief federal increase in advantages that ended on Sept. 30, 2021, in accordance with information from the U.S. Division of Agriculture.
12 months-over-year spending at farmers’ markets continued to develop at a slower fee in 2022, after which dipped a modest 3% in 2023. Even with this slight discount in spending, farmers’ markets proved extra resilient than conventional grocery channels post-pandemic, experiencing a smaller proportion lower in client spending, in accordance with the information.
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Proposed USDA cuts may unravel hard-won positive factors in meals entry
Regardless of this pattern, SNAP gross sales at farmers’ markets account for under .5% of all SNAP gross sales in 2023, whereas tremendous shops and supermarkets make up 75% of all SNAP gross sales. The remaining share is unfold throughout retailers like co-ops, specialty shops, bakeries, and internet-based grocers.
The rising use of matching applications helps encourage SNAP recipients to buy immediately from farmers. Some farmers’ markets double SNAP advantages by federally funded initiatives, such because the Hyperlink Up program in Illinois, which started in 2011 in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood and has since expanded statewide.
The core aim of SNAP matching applications is to empower recipients by remodeling their buying expertise from restrictive to enriching, in accordance with Matthew Ruffi, head of Hyperlink Up. The group coordinates the SNAP matching program in Illinois.
“Applications like these equip Illinois farmers’ markets, farm stands, and extra with the instruments and funding wanted to supply SNAP matching, enhancing accessibility and fostering group connections for SNAP customers,” Ruffi mentioned in a written assertion to Examine Midwest.
At present, one out of each six Illinoisans receives SNAP advantages. The Hyperlink Up Program “breaks down obstacles for individuals the place each single greenback issues,” he mentioned.
Accessibility to farmers’ markets for low-income People has developed over the a long time. When Congress changed paper meals stamp coupons with an digital debit card system in 2002, farmers’ markets struggled to rapidly adapt. Markets regularly developed workarounds, and right this moment, tens of hundreds of thousands of SNAP {dollars} are spent yearly at these markets.
However that progress could also be in danger. Congressional Republicans have proposed deep cuts to the U.S. Division of Agriculture’s funds to offset tax reductions, most of which might goal SNAP funding.
Advocates warn that such cuts may undo years of positive factors. Not simply in meals entry, however in constructing stronger ties between native farmers and the communities they serve.
To seek out farmers’ markets that settle for meals stamps close to you, use the SNAP Retailer Locator.
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