COVID-19

UNLIMITED SNAP BENEFITS MATCH EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST 2020
AT HERNANDO COUNTY GROWERS ASSOCIATION MARKETS
Initiative increases access to healthy food for SNAP recipients

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BROOKSVILLE, FL (April 21, 2020) – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) is extending unlimited dollar-for-dollar matches for all SNAP purchases on Florida-grown fruits and vegetables at participating markets through August 31, 2020. While the program typically has a $40 capon matches, the cap will be lifted through August to aid food insecure individuals in this uncertain time.

FAB is a statewide incentive program designed to encourage SNAP customers to redeem their benefits at farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSAs to purchase fresh, healthy foods directly from Florida farmers. This measure is designed to ensure all food insecure individuals have access to affordable, fresh, locally-sourced produce in their community.

At participating outlets, FAB matches what a SNAP cardholder spends with FREE Fresh Access Bucks - without limit, every market day. Customers can use them right away or later on to buy Florida grown fruits and vegetables.

For example, a SNAP shopper who spends $50 of their SNAP benefits at a participating FAB market outlet receives an additional $50 to purchase fresh, local produce. Currently there are 31 market outlets participating in Fresh Access Bucks throughout the state under COVID-19 with others coming back online in the near future. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of healthy foods and nutrition education efforts is integral to increasing the purchase and consumption of fresh, local produce.

The Brooksville Farmers Market is abiding by CDC and Florida Department of Health safety measures and social distancing guidelines to ensure the safety of customers, farmers and market staff. The HCGA is offering online ordering, drive thru markets and other measures.

For more information on FAB and active markets operating around the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.feedingflorida.org/promotional-materials/Covid19 

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About Hernando County Growers Association

The Hernando County Growers Association (HCGA) is a non-profit agriculture cooperative of local farms and agriculture producers.  The HCGA operates several pop-up “Brooksville Farmers Markets” throughout Hernando County both on farms and at various locations including the Little Rock Cannery.  The Brooksville Farmers Market offers fresh local produce from growers throughout central Florida and hosts the Feeding Florida “Fresh Access Bucks” program which matches SNAP dollars.  For more information about the Brooksville Farmers Market or the Hernando County Growers Association, visit www.HernandoGrowers.org, www.Facebook.com/HernandoGrowers or contact Angela Okrasinski at 352-584-5773.

About Feeding Florida

Feeding Florida is the state’s leading organization in the fight to end hunger. Its statewide network unites 12-member food banks to provide a healthy, adequate, and consistent food supply to every community every day. Feeding Florida food banks support more than 2,400 local charitable agencies, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need to ensure a hunger-free Florida. Feeding Florida is a unified voice regarding hunger and focuses on each community’s needs. Feeding Florida’s member food banks include: All Faiths Food Bank, America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc., Bread of the Mighty, Feeding Northeast Florida, Feeding South Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, Feeding the Gulf Coast, First Step Food Bank, Florida Gateway Food Bank, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and Treasure Coast Food Bank.

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