Use of Food Stamps in Farmers Markets Doubles

by Mike Smith · 2009-11-24 07:26:00 UTC
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Sales of farmers markets produce paid for using food stamps doubled this year in New York City. Though it still only comprises 0.1 per cent of total food stamp purchases the increase indicates an eagerness for fresh food and good produce. City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn explained to the Times that “I would like the goal over my next term to get it to $1 million per year.”

The program only runs at 23 markets, and only for part of the year, but two markets alone accounted for one third of the sales. Farmers markets are not an elitist indulgence, but a desired and often affordable source of food. The two markets did so well because they were located in communities that have a severe lack of supermarkets and grocery stores. This a problem we've encountered and discussed before: the shameful "Food Deserts": a situation often found in poor neighborhoods that lack access to reasonably priced healthy food.

The United States Department of Agriculture is so pleased with the food stamp and markets scheme that it will be expanding the scheme nationwide. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene meanwhile will give a bonus of $2 for every $5 spent at some markets to encourage more people to eat fruit and veg. Food deserts may yet become oases of fresh and healthy produce.

Photo: Ed Yourdon

Mike Smith
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