The Granite State Market Match is coming to Concord and Penacook farmers’ markets to make healthy eating easier for people receiving SNAP funds. The Merrimack County Conservation District is in its second year assisting these markets in accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds, often referred to as “food stamps.” Through a partnership with the N.H. Food Bank and Wholesome Wave, SNAP dollars will now be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10 per market.
The Granite State Market Match reinforces the importance of a healthy diet, and continues to increase markets for our local producers. In 2014 the USDA reported New Hampshire having distributed SNAP funds to 111,701 inpiduals.
“We’re trying to level the playing field to help the agriculture producers in the area accept SNAP funds,” said Stacy Luke, district manager for MCCD. “SNAP participants can buy local nutritious food from the farmers’ market, and with the token system it’s a lot easier.”
The Granite State Market Match is part of a national effort to increase outreach to SNAP beneficiaries at farmers’ markets and to improve accessibility of affordable, nutritious foods.
The Concord Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon through Oct. 31. Penacook Village Farmers’ Market is every Monday, 4 to 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 31. To learn more about what the Concord and Penacook farmers’ market has to offer, check out their websites: Concord, concordfarmersmarket.com; and Penacook, penacook.org/farmersmarket/.
For more information about Merrimack County Conservation District, please check out our website at merrimackccd.org or call 975-0110.
