National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 7-13

Health District and Wholesome Wave offer nutrition incentive program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2016

LAS VEGAS – National Farmers Market Week is August 7 – 13. In an effort to encourage all Southern Nevadans to visit local farmers markets and access seasonal fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, the Health District and its partner Wholesome Wave are continuing a nutrition incentive program launched in March for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

The program is provided with funding that is part of Wholesome Wave’s Nutrition Incentive Program Support and Innovation Grant. In addition to assisting families, the funding benefits local markets, vendors, and local producers. For more information, visit: www.wholesomewave.org/nipsig.

SNAP beneficiaries can visit the information booth at participating farmers markets to learn more. Clients 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 will continue through December or until grant funds are expended.

According to the Farmers Market Coalition, $18.8 million in SNAP benefits were spent at farmers markets in 2014. In addition, the Coalition reports that the United States Department of Agriculture found that produce prices at farmers markets were, on average, lower than grocery stores.

Since 2010, the Health District 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, On the Ranch, and Vegas Roots Community Garden and their Veggie Buck Truck mobile market, with the Downtown 3rd coming online soon. A complete list of participating markets is available at Get Healthy Clark County Farmers Markets.

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.