I picked up a freebie magazine at the library yesterday that is all about local food and farms. It is really interesting and I am planning on trying a few of the places listed. What really got my attention,is the new program with the state of Ohio's food-stamp card. You can now use it at select farmer's markets around the state and in my county, they are giving you double dollar coupons (dollar to dollar match up to $10) when you purchase fresh produce at those select markets with your card.
This to me is a step in the right direction. Placing the means to get the fresh produce into the hands of those who need it most is the best idea that has come from the food stamp program in years. Farmer's markets not only help local farms be profitable, but they also help the surrounding businesses as well. A recent study of my old neighborhood where they have had a farmer's market for 2 years now, saw an increase of $3.4 million to the area due to the extra income from the farmer's market draw.
If we could do this in food desert communities all over, we may just save this country and ourselves.
This to me is a step in the right direction. Placing the means to get the fresh produce into the hands of those who need it most is the best idea that has come from the food stamp program in years. Farmer's markets not only help local farms be profitable, but they also help the surrounding businesses as well. A recent study of my old neighborhood where they have had a farmer's market for 2 years now, saw an increase of $3.4 million to the area due to the extra income from the farmer's market draw.
If we could do this in food desert communities all over, we may just save this country and ourselves.