Farmers Market Nutrition Program

 

Photo from http://vancouverfarmersmarket.com

$100,000 in allocated state funding for the Famers Market Nutrition Program is on the chopping block. If this funding isn't secured, federal dollars are also at stake and thousands of recipients may lose out on additional vouchers for local, healthy foods. I wrote this email tonight to my elected officials and put out the word via Facebook. For more info on the program, check out this link. 

Here's the letter I wrote to my elected officials. Feel free to edit, use, and distribute widely!

In my line of work, I provide information and referrals over the telephone to social and health services to residents throughout southwest Washington state. A large percentage of these calls include requests for food benefits, either through the SNAP or WIC programs, or through referrals to local food pantry sites. Many of the callers who seek services are often at a juxtaposition of where to direct what little income may be available to their household, and often left to wonder from what source their next meal may come.

With this economic downturn and the rising costs of food, it is important for those who must rely on these crucial supplemental services to be able to access quality, healthy foods from local outposts. By preserving the state funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, we can ensure that this funding can be matched by the federal government. With your support, local farmers will be able to employ workers to grow, harvest, and sell food back to their respective communities throughout the state.

Recipients of these benefits cannot be ignored or brushed aside. It is imperative to the health of children, mothers, and senior citizens to be able to access fresh, affordable produce throughout each month of the year, especially during the spring and summer months when the bounty is plentiful and available on a local basis. I urge you to preserve this funding and thank you for your representation.

Sincerely,
Cara K.....