Farmers’ markets draw few food stamp users despite outreach; distance, cost remain problems

Farmers’ markets draw few food stamp users

PORTLAND, Ore. — The nation’s farmers’ markets are attracting few food stamp users, despite widespread efforts to reach out to low-income shoppers.

About one-fourth of the nation’s 6,000 or so farmers’ markets accept food stamps, now known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

But the U.S. Department of Agriculture says less than 0.01 percent of SNAP benefits redeemed last year went to farmers’ markets. It says 82 percent went to grocery stores and supercenters.

Advocates say the issue is important because one in eight Americans now receives food stamps. And low-income communities often have higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other health problems made worse without access to fresh, healthy foods.