By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Des Moines, IA – SNAP benefit program is adding extra participating locations to help Iowans in need get fresh fruit and vegetables
The Double Up Food Bucks initiative is adding over a hundred more grocery locations to the program. According to a press release from the Healthiest State Initiative, this month over 106 Fareway stores and 13 Hy-Vee stores were added along with food co-ops and farmers markets.
Double Up Food Bucks is a healthy food incentive program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. It works by matching purchases made with an EBT or P-EBT card up to $10 a day spent on fresh produce. The new locations added will start July 20 and be considered temporary locations.
According to the release these additions were made possible through the Cares Act. The Healthiest State Initiative single out the leadership of state officials and the Feeding Iowans Task Force for helping “expand access to nutritious food for Iowans in need.” Lt. Gov. Adam Greg who heads the task force says the Double Up Food Bucks is a “good investment” because it helps both Iowans in need and also helps specialty crop farmers who tend to sell through farmers markets.
Fareway in Humboldt is a current partner in the Double Up Food Bucks program. The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonprofit organization “driven by the goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.” More information about eligibility for Double Up Food Bucks, SNAP eligibility or participating locations can be found at iowahealthieststate.com