By Laurie James

What comes to mind when you think of “farmers markets?” Ripe seasonal produce, locally produced honey and jams, specialty baked goods, coffee, flowers, and fresh eggs? While local farmers markets can have a direct positive impact on your weekend morning, they also make a huge impact on our broader community and economy. So much so that the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaims one week a year in August – August 6-12 this year, to be exact – as National Farmers Market Week.

Families dependent on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be feeling the pinch since emergency allotments put in place during the pandemic ended on March 1. The end to emergency funding means a loss of $95 to more than $400 a month in SNAP grocery benefits offered during the pandemic. The move is expected to impact about 1.6 million Texas households, as Texas sees about a 35% drop in federal funding for SNAP benefits. Fortunately, Double Up Food Bucks can provide some relief to Tarrant County residents, making it easier to put fresh fruits and vegetables on the table.

Two Years Later, Double Up Food Bucks Continues to Give More Bang for Your Fresh Produce Buck.

Double Up Food Bucks Program at Cowtown Farmers Market Enables SNAP Recipients to Stretch Their Food Dollars.