Someone suggested this to me a few months back when I posted how grateful I was to be approved for food stamps. Many states participate in programs that encourage CSA's to offer deep discounts to SNAP recipients. It keeps money local and it's amazing to get truly local produce. Each state is different, of course, but easily searchable with "(state name) SNAP CSA/farm stands/farmers markets".
In Colorado, for example, lots of CSA's will not only accept SNAP cards for payment, but they participate in a program called DoubleUp Bucks. It helps the money you spend on local produce go twice as far. Every participant does it differently, but so far I've signed up for two CSA boxes that just cut the price in half at pick up. Some farmers markets will print out DoubleUp coupons as double the amount you bought before you go shopping, and some will give you bucks to use next time you come. Always equivalent to the balance that came off your card. Again, each state is going to be different, but that's the sort of idea they're encouraging.
With the 50%, this is saving me crazy money at the grocery store on produce. And it's all local, plus most of it organic. Last week I got a good 2 weeks worth of salad mixes, a bag of herbs, and two tilapia fillets from Seattle for $8. Tomorrow I'm picking up 5 pounds of organic potatoes, organic mushrooms, mini cucumbers, and a wedge of soft, local organic cheese for a grand total of $12. Plus it's so nice to see the local community at pick up supporting local farmers!!
April 25, 2021 at 01:10AM
