New Mexico fruit and vegetable farmers get boost from FINI program

New Mexicans enrolled in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps), are taking advantage of the program called "Double Up Food Bucks" to encourage participants to spend their benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at 34 farmers markets across the state. New Mexico Department of Agriculture officials say many families want to eat healthier, but paying for organic and fresh produce can be pricey, especially for those on low or fixed incomes. The program is simple. A family that spends $10 in SNAP benefits at participating farmers’ markets across New Mexico receives an additional $10 in Double Up Food Bucks to purchase fresh farm-grown fruits and vegetables. In other words, a dollar spent on fresh food buys two dollars in fresh food products at participating markets...more