A program that gives people with food stamps more buying power at local farmers markets, thereby boosting the income of local ag producers, got a little financial boost from the Missoula County government recently.
The county commissioners voted to send $66,968 out of the Community Assistance Fund to a Missoula nonprofit, Farm Connect Montana. The money will go to the Missoula County Double SNAP Dollars Program, a county-wide nutrition incentive program that works with farmers markets, farmers and grocery stores to provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The program provides a dollar-for-dollar match on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases at 12 locations across the county, including farmers markets, farm stands and retail outlets. The SNAP program was formerly known as the “food stamp” program. Essentially, people with SNAP benefits can buy twice as much if they spend their money supporting local farmers.
“This funding ensures that families across Missoula County can continue to access fresh, healthy food while also supporting the farmers who grow it,” said Bonnie Buckingham, the executive director of Farm Connect Montana. “We are grateful to Missoula County for recognizing the importance of Double SNAP Dollars in building a resilient and equitable local food system.”
Every year, about 800 county residents utilize the program. And it provides an extra $50,000 annually to local farmers and businesses, which Buckingham said strengthens the county’s ag community. The program grew by 10% last year.
“At the Clark Fork River Market, Double SNAP makes every market day brighter, every meal fuller, and every neighbor closer, ” said Kaylee Nassiri, Clark Fork Market executive director. “We love to hear from our customers how the program allows them to eat healthier, and have access to foods they otherwise wouldn’t. Every week we see firsthand how many community members and their families benefit from this program. Hearing how it brings joy to people to eat healthy while supporting their local farmer is truly the highlight of our day.”
The money came from Missoula County’s Community Assistance Fund, which provides support to local nonprofits and service providers that offer programs to meet basic human needs, like food and shelter.
The program will be available for the first-ever winter season of the Clark Fork River Market, which will run from Nov. 15 to April 4 on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Badlander and Locals Only.
For more information on the program and participating sites, visit doubledollarsmt.com.
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.
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