Monday, February 15, 2010
Farmers' Market in Roseville, CA (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Reliance on food stamps in California has soared in recent years, prompting a state lawmaker from the state’s agriculture-rich Central Valley to get farmers markets to accept the federal food subsidy program.
Assemblyman Juan Arambula, an independent from Fresno, said he wants poor people to have more opportunities to eat healthy by buying fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. But most vendors at the markets are unable to accept electronic food-stamp benefit cards, owing to the fact that only 15% of all farmers markets in the state have the necessary card readers. Arambula originally introduced the bill in February 2009.
Californians receiving food-stamps assistance soared during the recession, with enrollment climbing 43% from 2007 to 2009. During the previous recession of 2001-2003, enrollment grew by only 6%.
In addition to the Golden State, Indiana, Texas, Vermont and other states are trying to expand food stamps usage at local farmers markets.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
State's Poor Foiled at Fresh Markets (by Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press)
AB 537: Farmers’ Markets: Electronic Benefit Transfers (Around the Capitol)
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