Health District kicks off grant–funded nutrition incentive program as part of National Nutrition Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 11, 2016

LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District was recently awarded grant funding from Wholesome Wave to support nutrition incentive programs and to increase access and affordability of fruits and vegetables for more than 120,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in the Las Vegas Valley. The households are located near local farmers markets that accept SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer). In addition to assisting families, the funding will benefit local farmers’ markets, vendors, and local producers. The funding is part of Wholesome Wave’s Nutrition Incentive Program Support and Innovation Grant program. For more information, visit: www.wholesomewave.org/nipsig

Specifically, SNAP beneficiaries can swipe their EBT card at a participating farmers market and use their SNAP benefits to purchase SNAP–eligible foods. For every $5 swiped, SNAP beneficiaries will get an additional $2 to purchase fruits and vegetables. The program is ongoing and continues through September or until grant funds are exhausted.

“The Health District is excited to receive this grant from Wholesome Wave. We have been working for several years to increase access to healthier food in Southern Nevada by encouraging local farmers’ markets to accept SNAP benefits. This funding is a win-win for our community. Not only will it help our low-income residents stretch limited food dollars and encourage consumption of healthy foods, but it will also benefit our local farmers’ markets and local producers,” said Dr Joe Iser, Southern Nevada Health District Chief Health Officer.

Since 2010, the SNHD has been working to increase access to healthy foods by partnering with local farmers’markets to support their efforts to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits. Many farmers’ markets in Southern Nevada now welcome SNAP benefits including: the Las Vegas Farmers Market, fresh52, the Farms at Fantastic, On the Ranch, the Green Chefs, and Vegas Roots Community Garden, with the Downtown 3rd coming online soon. A complete list of Farmers Markets is available.

SNAP beneficiaries can visit the information booth at participating farmers’ markets to learn more.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.