Independent grocery stores around New Hampshire are launching a new incentive program to help food stamp recipients pay for local vegetables.
Starting in August, people who receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps, will have their money doubled when they buy local produce at certain independent grocery stores. A similar program has proven successful at local farmers markets.
This program, called Double Up Food Bucks, started in Michigan and has spread across the country. Among the stores participating in New Hampshire is Sully’s Superette in Goffstown. Store manager John Bilodeau says the program kicked off on Monday.
“It’s been active in 21 states, I know that, and this is the first time in New Hampshire, this summer, that we launched it. We sell the produce and it helps the local farmer, and they help the families and children.”
The idea is to make sure that eating on a budget doesn't mean eating unhealthily.
The program is orchestrated by the Associated Grocers of New England.