Fareway to pilot SNAP incentive program in stores

     Double Up Food Bucks is celebrating a successful 2018 season and looking ahead to continued growth in the retail grocery sector in 2019. The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) incentive program, coordinated by the Healthiest State Initiative, allows low-income Iowans to increase their purchasing power of fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.

     Double Up Food Bucks has seen its sales increase by 91 percent since its launch in 2016, going from six farmers markets to 14 sites across the state, including farmers markets, grocery stores, and mobile markets. Ahead of the 2019 season, Double Up Food Bucks has already secured additional sites, including multiple pilot locations at major Iowa grocery stores like Fareway.

     For a complete list of current participating Double Up Food Bucks sites, visit: IowaHealthiestState.com/Double-Up-Food-Bucks.

     “The addition of major retail grocery stores that can be accessed year-round is a game-changer,” said Jami Haberl, executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. “Allowing Iowans to utilize Double Up Food Bucks at their local grocery store no longer limits the program to the growing season.”

     To date, SNAP participants have spent more then $110,000 in combined Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP benefits on healthy foods. This has resulted in 98 percent of customers reporting an increase in the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables they buy. In turn, 80 percent reported a decrease in their consumption of photo chips, candy and cookies.

     More than 300 Iowa farmers participate annually in the program, so the wins from the program are three-fold: Low-income families eat more healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.

     Double Up Food Bucks received federal SNAP incentive funding, including a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funds are then matched with private contributions bringing total project support to nearly $1 million. Double Up Food Bucks is sponsored by Amerigroup, Wells, Fargo, Alliant Energy, and ITC Group, as well as the regional support of local partners.

How Double Up Food Bucks works: A customer who spends $10 in SNAP benefits at a participating site receives an additional $10 in free Double Up Food Bucks to spend on locally grown fruits and vegetables. The program provides a 1-to-1 match, up to $10 per day.                 

 

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