Rachel Cernansky reports on the federal government's recently announced plan to expand access to healthy foods by increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) acceptance at America's farmers markets.
According to Cernasky, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting its money where its mouth is, by funding the expansion of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or "food stamp" acceptance at farmers markets across the country.
"Expanding SNAP at farmers markets is part of the agency's broader approach to increasing healthy food access for low-income communities that lack adequate grocery stores and public transportation - areas known (if sometimes controversially so) as food deserts," notes Cernasky.
The initiative seeks to expand and build on successes gained in just the past four years as SNAP spending at farmers markets increased by 400 percent -- "and that's with less than a quarter of the country's 7,000 markets participating in the program."
"'Twenty years ago or more, people thought this was something for the elite. Clearly that's not the case, and the expansion of farmers markets with EBT has really proven that,' [USDA deputy secretary Kathleen] Merrigan added. And she's optimistic that more time spent at these markets can lead to other healthy lifestyle shifts as well. 'Hopefully some of those people are going to farmers markets on their bikes and walking,' she said."
FULL STORY: Thousands more farmers markets will soon take food stamps
American Cities Face Rising Hunger and Homelessness Crisis
Despite economic improvement across the country, a recent survey of 25 American cities finds homelessness and hunger are on the rise. With the federal government cutting resources, providing for the neediest is expected to be harder next year.
Food Stamp Numbers Indicate Sharp Rise In Suburban Poverty
When you think about poverty, do you picture the suburbs? New data suggests that you should.
Making Markets More Accessible to Low-Income Communities
The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) has released the results of a new study aimed at understanding how to "get more healthy food into...communities through farmers markets."
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie