The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs stopped a disaster this week for farmers and families on SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or food stamps). The nonprofit funded the Novo Dia Group (NDG) so it will continue processing electronic SNAP payments for 30 days at farmers’ markets nationwide. This means families in need can still purchase millions of dollars of fresh food during the peak summer market season.
NDG processes about 40% of the SNAP electronic benefit cards payments at farmers markets through its Mobile Market app. They didn’t make much money at it and decided to stop when the new SNAP administrator chose to go with a new, larger payment-processing company. Let’s hope a graceful transition is in place before the month is up!
Check Your Market for Matching Funds
If you or someone you know is on SNAP, ask the people at your local farmers’ market how they handle SNAP. Ask if there are any matching-funds programs too. Many markets double SNAP funds up to a certain amount. Even if your market doesn’t do this, you are likely to find the best deals and freshest produce at your market and boost your local economy at the same time. The ripple effect could even help float your own financial boat.
