Double Your Dollars program increases access to fresh food for low income families, supports small family farms, and strengthens the local economy
Tacoma, WA (September 9, 2014) – On Thursday, September 11th the Tacoma Farmers Market will launch its Double Your Dollars Matching Program for EBT (SNAP), WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) participants.
Participants in the program will receive a one to one match up to $10 when they swipe their EBT card or present their WIC or SFMNP checks at the market information booth. Beneficiaries of the program will be able to use their matching funds to buy fruits and vegetables from local farmers vendors. The matching program is made possible by a grant from the Taco Time Northwest Foundation with support from MultiCare Center for Healthy Living.
The Tacoma Farmers Market, established in 1990, runs three markets within the city of Tacoma and provides a sustainable venue where local farms and small businesses can connect directly with consumers and the community. Each market plays a critical role in preserving local farms and farmland, providing access to healthy food, and creating vibrant spaces for community engagement.
Farmers markets also strengthen the local economy and build small businesses. In 2013, Tacoma Farmers Market vendors generated more than $800,000 in sales.
Further, according to USDA estimates, for every $1 spent in SNAP (EBT benefits), $1.79 is invested back into the local economy.
“The impact of increasing the purchasing power of low income residents can’t be overstated,” said Stacy Carkonen, Executive Director of the Tacoma Farmers Market. “Studies have shown that introducing EBT matching funds at farmers markets can increase participation by as much as 80%. This funding is transformational in our ability to put healthy food into the hands of families who need it most while supporting the local farms and families that are growing our food.”
At the height of agricultural production in the 1950s, Pierce County had over 160,000 acres of agricultural land in production. Today, that number has decreased to 50,000 acres due to decades of urban sprawl and the pressures of land development for non-agricultural use. “These funds are critical to the health and wellness of our local families and also to the sustainability of our local farms,” Carkonen said.
The Taco Time Northwest Foundation is dedicated to supporting families in Western Washington by developing strategic partnerships that provide access to nutritious food and educational programs supporting healthy lifestyles.
“Giving back to our community is something we believe is important to both our guests and our people at Taco Time. We are so inspired to be able to support this amazing program that will help make a real difference in the lives of families in the Puget Sound area,” commented Gretchen Everett, Marketing and Advertising Director for Taco Time Northwest.
“Everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food no matter their income,” said Lori Tanner, Executive Director of the Center for Healthy Living. “The MultiCare Center for Healthy Living is proud to support the Tacoma Farmers Market and the Taco Time Northwest Foundation promoting fresh and local produce that helps increase access to healthy foods in our community,” added Tanner.
Matching funds will be available at all three of the Tacoma Farmers Markets through the end of the season or until funds run out.
Market Locations:
Broadway between 9th and 11th downtown
Thursdays, 10-3
May-October
6th Avenue Market
Corner of 6th and Pine
Tuesdays, 3-7
May-September
South Tacoma Farmers Market
MetroParks STAR Center 3873 S 66th St
Sundays 11-3
June-September
Other Markets Offering Matching Funds:
Proctor Farmers Market
N. 27th & Proctor Street
Saturdays, 9-2
To support the matching funds program please contact Stacy Carkonen at stacy@tacomafarmersmarket.com.