County of Mecklenburg issued the following announcement on Dec. 16.
Following the success of tripling SNAP benefits ahead of Thanksgiving, Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH), the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC and the American Heart Association, are partnering again to offer another opportunity to triple SNAP dollars at participating farmers markets for the holiday season. Benefit recipients can shop at a significant discount; for example, if you spend $10 you will receive $30 in farmers market tokens to be spent as cash on SNAP eligible items. Look for the ‘You SNAP, We Match’ banner at the market to swipe your EBT card and receive tokens.
The following local farmers market are participating in the program upgrade:
December 18:
- South End Market, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Matthews Community Farmers Market, 8 – 10 a.m.
December 22:
- North End Farmers Market, 4 – 8 p.m.
About Food Security in Mecklenburg County
The goal of the County’s programs is to increase and improve healthy food environments and consumption of water, and address food deserts—low-income areas without a supermarket or large grocery store. Food deserts lead to poor diets, which can contribute to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Low-income individuals are also more likely to be exposed to advertising for unhealthy food products. Even when access to food is improved, healthy foods tend to cost more.
Disclaimers:
Markets may close due to inclement weather. Please check their Facebook pages for the most updated information. Limit one transaction per day. SNAP eligible items include fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, eggs, meat, and seeds.
Original source can be found here.
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