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USDA Wants More Farmers Markets to Accept SNAP Benefits

foodstorageandsurvival.com

The USDA said farmers markets can play a significant role in strengthening local food systems by accepting SNAP benefits.

More than 5,000 markets across the nation allow shoppers to use SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps.

We get a plus on the healthy eating side, we also improve access to these foods in many low-income communities...

USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon said the agency wants even more locations.

"We get a plus on the healthy eating side, we also improve access to these foods in many low-income communities where they don't have supermarkets," he said. "We also put dollars back into the local farm economy."

Concannon said more than $20,000,000 worth of food stamps were redeemed at farmers markets across the nation last year.

USDA data shows markets in this region that accept the benefits include Galesburg, Lewiston, and Mount Pleasant.

Those locations that do not include Macomb, Keokuk, and Burlington.