Ind. push for farmers markets to reach food stamp recipients

[clearblue1096]

Ind. push for farmers markets to reach food stamp recipients

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (AP) — State officials are working to educate the operators of Indiana's farmers markets about how they can boost their business by attracting food stamp recipients.

State agencies and nonprofit groups are hosting free seminars around the state to educate farmers, vendors and market operators about how local farmers markets can accept electronic food benefits that are available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

State Department of Health public health nutritionist Laura Hormuth tells The Times of Munster (http://bit.ly/ZVvY3h ) Michigan farmers markets had more than $1.5 million in SNAP sales in the most recent fiscal year, while Indiana had only about $30,000 in similar transactions.

She says expanding SNAP's acceptance at Indiana's farmers markets would boost lower-income Hoosiers' access to healthy foods and bring new business to the markets.

http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-ind-push- ... 2994.story

I believe that if you are on food stamps then the farmers market should be the only place that you should be able to purchase food. All fruits and vegetables, cheeses and fresh baked bread. No more Twinkies or Little Debbie's. Good, wholesome food. You want junk food? You are welcome to buy all you want once you get back to work.

Our obese, impoverished population is what is putting a strain on our healthcare system. A healthier diet equates to healthier people...

[BobbyBeetleMishawaka]

I believe that if you are on food stamps then the farmers market should be the only place that you should be able to purchase food. All fruits and vegetables, cheeses and fresh baked bread. No more Twinkies or Little Debbie's. Good, wholesome food. You want junk food? You are welcome to buy all you want once you get back to work.

Our obese, impoverished population is what is putting a strain on our healthcare system. A healthier diet equates to healthier people...

I totally agree with this in principle, though it may be hard to implement in practice.

Some political commentators have been puzzled that such a large percentage of conservative-leaning Indian-Americans voted for Obama. One need only recognize how important EBTs are to the revenue of numerous family-run mini-marts, gas stations, etc. The success of their businesses depends on EBT purchases. Cuts in programs = cuts in income.