Nebraska Ag Connection - Some Farmers' Markets Accept SNAP, Offer Double Benefits

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Some Farmers' Markets Accept SNAP, Offer Double Benefits
Nebraska Ag Connection - 07/12/2018

It's summer time in Nebraska and local farmers' markets, a staple for the agricultural state during warmer months, abound. What few know, though, is that many of the farmers' markets scattered across the state are authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) benefits.

"Expanding the number of SNAP-approved retailers to include farmers' markets goes a long way towards putting healthier food options on Nebraskan's tables," said Dr. Courtney Phillips, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She went on to acknowledge the hard work of DHHS team members and their successes in ensuring timely processing of applications for economic assistance.

"It's important that Nebraskans in need have access to their benefits, when they need them, so they can take advantage of farmers' markets, which are such a great source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods," Dr. Phillips said. "Our Eligibility Operations team has made sure Nebraskans have uninterrupted access by processing SNAP applications and recertifying applicants within the federal timeliness rate at least 96 percent of the time, for the last 29 months. We are committed to continuing providing this level of service to our customers."

In addition to accepting SNAP benefits, some farmers' markets also participate in the Double up Food Bucks Program. From www.doubleupfoodbucks.org, "Fair Food Network's Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of federal nutrition (SNAP or food stamps) benefits spent at participating markets and grocery stores, helping people bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers."

The program originally launched in Detroit and has since expanded to farmers' markets and grocery stores across the country. In Nebraska, the Department of Agriculture is the clearing house for all Double Up vouchers. Partnerships with CHI Health and Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Nebraska ensure the program has the funds to provide incentives to SNAP recipients. The SNAP-Ed program through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) works to promote and expand this program with the support of DHHS.

Under the Double Up Food Bucks Program:

- SNAP recipients use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a participating grocery store or farmers' market.

- For every $1 of SNAP eligible foods purchased, recipients receive $1 in Double Up rewards for now or future use, up to $20 per day

- Double Up rewards may be spent on any fresh fruits or vegetables in participating stores any time before May 31, 2021.

Locations currently participating in the Double Up Food Bucks Program are as follows:

Lincoln:

- Sunday Farmers' Market at College View

- Fallbrook Farmers Market

- Community Crops Veggie Van

- F Street Market

- Leon's Gourmet Grocery

- Open Harvest Co-op Grocer

Omaha: *Up to $10 per day

- Old Market

- Aksarben Village

- Charles Drew Health Center

Beatrice:

- Heartland Foods

Additional information regarding the Double Up Food Bucks Program is available through the University of Nebraska Lincoln at www.doubleupnebraska.org. Those with questions may also email food@unl.edu or call at 402-472-3716.

SNAP benefits help raise nutrition levels among low-income households by ensuring people have access to healthy and nutritious foods. SNAP funds are administered by DHHS, based on federal guidelines, and SNAP eligibility is based on many factors including family size, income, and other family resources.

Retailers seeking to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits may complete an online application in as little as 15 minutes. Once the application has been initiated, retailers have up to 30 days complete and submit the online application to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Applications not completed after 30 days are deleted by FNS.

To apply for SNAP benefits, an application must be completed and given to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Interested parties may apply by visiting the department's ACCESSNebraska Website at dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov/start/?tl=en or by calling (800) 383-4278.

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