"About one-fourth of the nation's 6,000 or so farmers' markets accept" SNAP benefits, but most of the benefits "redeemed last year -- 82 percent -- went to grocery stores and supercenters. Less than 0.01 percent was spent at farmers' markets, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
"Market organizers have tried a number of ways [to] overcome the hurdles low-income shoppers face, including setting up bus service through nearby neighborhoods, working with local food banks and employment offices to increase awareness and providing matching dollar programs to help stretch the benefits further." Organizers recognize that there are still barriers to overcome.
To read the Associated Press story, click here.
Posted: 09/17/2010
