Expanded SNAP Benefits at Farmers Markets
Enhancing Food Access and Supporting Local Farmers
According to Yahoo News, during the 2024 market season, people who use SNAP at Whatcom County Farmers Markets will get more help. At the Bellingham Farmers Market, they’ll match every dollar you spend with SNAP with no limit, thanks to $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act. This American Rescue Plan Act is to help local farmers and make sure everyone has enough food, says Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
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Positive Impact of Expanded SNAP Benefits at Other Farmers Markets
Other farmers markets in the area did this last year and it helped. The Twin Sisters Mobile Market and the Lynden Farmers Market matched all SNAP spending which made it easier for people with low incomes to buy food. At the Twin Sisters Mobile Market SNAP use went up by 92% in June 2023 compared to the year before. But last year, the Bellingham Farmers Market had less help which made it harder for people on SNAP to buy food there. Anna Martin, who leads the Bellingham Farmers Market Association says SNAP users were unhappy about this and went to other markets instead. Now, with more help from the American Rescue Plan Act at the Bellingham Farmers Market, they hope everyone can buy what they need.