WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Midwest did better than any other region this year when it came to food stamp usage at farmers markets.
Illinois saw an increase in farmers markets accepting food stamps.
Financially, that translated into a 112% increase in food stamp redemptions.
Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio all had dramatic surges compared with last year.
This helps low-income families.
Audrey Rowe is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
She said, "Many individuals who are participants in our program live in what are called food deserts. Many of them are not even aware of where they can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables."
Rowe says red tape was cut for farmers and that led to an ease in upping the number of markets that accept food stamps.
Courtesy Illinois Public Radio