Following a successful pilot, the City of Seattle has expanded its Fresh Bucks program. The program, which runs from July to October, will give EBT (Electronics Benefits Transfer) card holders $10 in Fresh Bucks to use on fruits and vegetables when they use them at local markets, including farmers markets. This program will incentivize people who are using EBT cards to make healthier choices and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet.
By partnering with the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (which operates the Magnolia Farmers Market and six others), the money gets put back into the local farming community, making this a win-win for everyone. Estimates from the pilot program said the $55,000 invested resulted in a $125,300 profit for the local economy.
Also, in a press release about the program, the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment said 1,500 low-income shoppers shopped at local markets since Fresh Bucks began in 2012; for 900 of them, it was their first time.
Affordable, healthy, environmentally sustainable fruits and vegetables should be available to everyone. The Fresh Bucks program seems to be a step in the right direction toward making that happen.
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