Having worked as a checker and seen how easy it is for low-income families to fall into a vicious cycle of buying and eating cheap junk food, while healthier, yet more expensive options stay shelved, it’s good news to see that more and more farmers markets across the U.S. are accepting food stamps.
This helps support the farming community and adds a key nutrient boost to poorer families.
Because the days of the paper food stamp booklets have gone by the wayside, one of the problems with using food stamps at a low-tech farmers market is the ability to accept federal Food Stamp Program debit cards.
The AP reports that the feds are helping equip markets in New York and Vermont, Michigan and New Mexico with handheld wireless terminals for debit cards. More than 40 states already have at least one market that accepts food stamp debits.
Hamlin, N.Y., farmer Richard Hayberger reports earning an extra $500 a month because the program is bringing in new customers.
Unfortunately, it’s looking as if the food stamp customer base will become an increasingly important one for farmers, who like the rest of their customers, are struggling with increased costs for fuel, supplies and feed.
I’m seeing reports that food stamp usage is surging in a number of states.
Photo by Cpt. Obvious on Flickr.
Virtual Farmgirl 