The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expanded its food stamp program to farmers markets around the nation, announcing a $4 million grant plan to entice recipients to buy fruits and vegetables.
“These grants increase the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] customers and further encourage them to purchase and prepare healthy foods for their families using SNAP benefits,” said Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon in The Daily Caller.
Specifically, the taxpayer money will be used to buy wireless point-of-sale equipment for farmers markets, The Daily Caller said.
The USDA has been on a years-long campaign to bring its food stamp program to farmers markets. In 2008, 750 farmers markets took food stamps, The Daily Caller said. In 2012, about 3,200 did.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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