The amount of food assistance dollars being spent at Maricopa County farmers markets has increased more than 13 times what it was in 2008. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants are spending more of their benefits to make purchases at roadside farm stands, farmers markets and directly from local farmers than ever before, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In Maricopa County, SNAP redemptions at farmers markets grew from approximately $2,400 to $32,000 between FY2008-FY2014. The number of SNAP-authorized farmers markets in the county nearly doubled in that same time period from seven to 13, with three more added in 2015, bringing the total current number to 16 markets.
Cindy Gentry, Food Systems Coordinator, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said, “Our goal is to help low-income families have more access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and farmers markets provide a great way to help bridge that gap.”