Greeley Farmers’ Market Program to Benefit SNAP Recipients

The Greeley Farmers' Market at the Depot in Greeley has announced a new program that provides increased benefits to residents who are on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The new “SNAP it up!” program, funded by a grant through the Wholesome Wave Foundation, will double the value of SNAP benefits redeemed at the Market for the purchase of locally grown fruits and vegetables.

According to the City of Greeley, in late 2011, the Market was recommended to the Wholesome Wave Foundation for a grant that would match shoppers’ SNAP expenditures for buying local produce. Earlier this year the Market was awarded the grant, which will provide up to $10,000 in Double Value Coupons (DVC) for eligible purchases. When a shopper swipes their EBT card for SNAP coupons, they will receive a matching amount of DVC’s up to $20 per market day. Those coupons must be used to purchase qualifying produce, while regular SNAP coupons may be used for any eligible food purchase.

“In addition to helping our economically-challenged residents increase their purchasing power and ability to provide healthy food to their families, our local growers also reap the economic benefit of increased sales.”

--Karen Scopel, Natural Resources Planner, City of Greeley

The Greeley Farmers’ Market is located at 902 7^th Avenue, Greeley and is open on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 to noon. Information about the Farmers’ Market and the  “SNAP it up!” program is available on the City’s web site at greeleygov.com/fm or by calling 970-350-9783.