Translate[Archived] Question #56: Where does the funding for the double-up SNAP dollars at the Old Town Farmers’ Market come from? Do we have data on unique users and/or number of uses?
Question:
Where does the funding for the double-up SNAP dollars at the Old Town Farmers’ Market come from? (Is it City-funded and/or grant-funded?) Do we have data on unique users and/or number of uses? What would be the costs to expand this program to one or more of the privately-run farmers’ markets in the City (assuming their interest)? (Vice Mayor Bennett-Parker)
Response:
Funding
The SNAP/EBT program is supported by two funding sources, USDA’s Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant and the Double Dollars Program. The FINI grant (also known as the Wholesome Waves) is awarded through the Virginia Fresh Match and allows for the first $10 match to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables only. The City is in the first year of a three grant, $6,750 for the first year and 10% increase for year 2 and year 3.
The Double Dollars program is locally created (2013) and provides the second incentive for SNAP participants. Double Dollars are bonus tokens that match every SNAP purchase up to $10 per weekly visit. Initially funding was raised primarily through donations at an annual fundraising event, Soil & Soul. This fundraising event was discontinued in 2017 due to loss of its major sponsors. It has been increasingly challenging to raise the $5,000 needed to continue this incentive.
The City reimburses market vendors for the full amount of the savings realized by the participants.
Participation
All users of this program are SNAP recipients. The program data is maintained by transactions and not unique users. Below are the transaction numbers for the past three fiscal years.
Market Expansion Cost Estimate
Since 2012, participation at local farmer’s markets has steadily increased and recently, USDA reports that 32% of SNAP dollars are being spent at farmer’s markets. Here in Alexandria with a 10.1% poverty rate, the expansion of the SNAP Double-Dollars program has the potential to reach SNAP recipients who reside in other City communities.
Below is the estimated cost to expand to one and two markets.
The program is also supported by volunteers who help with on-site marketing and operations. Markets that are interested in participating in the FINI grant must make application to USDA.