As you may know, the New Mexico Legislature approved renewed funding for the state-wide Double Up Food Bucks program! In addition, the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association, which heads this program state-wide, has announced that they will receive $2.1 million in federal money to expand Double Up Food Bucks state-wide!
Through this program, SNAP customers can double the value of their EBT dollars when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, with no daily limit on the amount. Not only does this doubling improve the health and nutrition of low-income families by increasing their purchasing power, it also increases the farmers’ customer base and their revenue, thereby improving our local economy. It’s a win-win-win for everyone!
The federal funds will be used to expand Double Up Food Bucks to nearly 90 sites across the state including farmers’ markets, grocery stores, farm stands, mobile markets, and Community Supported Agriculture outlets. In 2016, Double Up Food Bucks is projected to impact 25,000 SNAP shoppers and 800 small farms, stimulating an average of $1.2 million annually in local food sales.
Click here and here to learn more.
In 2015, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market/Institute saw nearly twice the amount of SNAP transactions facilitated at the Market in 2014. We anticipate continued growth in 2016 due to this increase in funding.
I love it! [DUFB] benefits us by giving us fresh vegetables and foods from local farmers which are healthy, and it’s a better option than what they have at the grocery store.
