Farmers markets across the state now have increased access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — a federally funded program, formerly called food stamps, that provides nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families — thanks to a grant that will provide funding for equipment that processes program payments.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has awarded a $57,000 Farmers’ Market Equipment Grant that will provide funding for free Electronic Benefit Terminals (EBT) and technical assistance to Hawaii market managers who wish to acquire new devices.
The EBT system uses a debit card that allows clients to access SNAP benefits at food retailers through their EBTs and ATMs, according to the state Department of Human Services website.
The DHS worked with the state Agriculture and Health departments to promote the free equipment to local growers and community organizations, and the USDA MarketLink website provided the technical assistance.
The departments have been focusing their outreach in low-income neighborhoods on Oahu and Hawaii island.
Four separate people’s open markets on Oahu have already established EBT device access.
According to a DHS news release, there was a 194 percent increase in the number of Hawaii markets authorized for SNAP and more than $570,000 in program benefits were redeemed within the first six months of 2014.
Every $5 in SNAP benefits generates $9 in community spending.
Approximately 193,392 Hawaii participants received SNAP benefits in June.
The DHS is also collaborating with the Live-Better-Together program, which is funded by the DOH SNAP-Ed program, to increase access to SNAP/EBT at public farmers markets in Honolulu.
The DOH SNAP-Ed program promotes healthy eating and lifestyles among low-income populations. The DHS and DOH SNAP-Ed program are also working to launch a social media campaign targeting the Kalihi area to promote fruit and vegetable purchases at farmers markets.
On Hawaii island the DHS is working with Hawaii Island Farmers’ Markets to promote EBT use across the island.
