The federal government is spending $4 million to help hook up farmers and low-income customers.
Currently, fewer than a quarter of the nation's roughly 7,100 farmers
markets are set up to use the Electronic Benefit Transfer system, or
food stamps. But Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary of agriculture,
said she hopes these grants will bring another 4,000 of those outlets on
line with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
"SNAP participation at farmers' markets helps provide fresh fruit and
vegetables to families and expands the customer base for local farmers
-- a win-win for agriculture and local communities," she said in a
statement.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Give people on food stamps beans and rice. That's it. Let them go get a job and buy whatever else they want
ReplyDeleteWhat's jobs.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good thing. Once the electronic payment system is set up it will be less hassle for the farmers to participate in the program.
ReplyDeleteforgot to mention more security need.
ReplyDeleteStand in line behind someone using the ebt card in a grocery store and look at how many fruits and vegetables you see in their cart. 8 times out of 10, the cart is filled with expensive meats, snacks and soda. They don't want fresh vegetables or fruit.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually a good thing. I would support this, rather than letting them spend away at walmart or other such stores.
ReplyDeleteThis way, we know they arent just wasting their money away on junk food and it can really help with local economies