Beginning this summer, LiveWell Chaffee County will provide a free 5 lb. bag of beans, rice or pasta if food stamps are used while shopping at the Farmers Markets in Salida or Buena Vista. There is no minimum purchase required and one bag is allowed per household per week.
“In an effort to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, LiveWell Chaffee County is implementing this program to make shopping at the farmers market more affordable for low-income households,” said Lisa Malde, Director of LiveWell Chaffee County.
Fruit and vegetable consumption is becoming a prominent indicator of health because of its potential role in chronic disease prevention. Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. residents are estimated to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary recommendations. Low-income households are even less likely to meet the recommendations than the average household.
Despite a growing dependence on food stamps, the popular impression is that all food stamp recipients can afford is processed and frozen meals. Cost and convenience have been shown to be a leading influence on food choice for low-income individuals. “We hope that by providing an incentive for low income households, they will consider adding more locally grown fruits and vegetables to their diet,” Malde added.
This is the first year of the farmers market program for LiveWell Chaffee County. “We hope to continue to reach out to the low income population in Chaffee County in hopes of influencing positive change,” Malde said.
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