Dearborn, Mich. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) toured the Dearborn Farmer’s Market to promote the successful Double Up Program that incentivizes low-income family to buy local produce at Southeast Michigan farmer’s markets.
“We have the best quality food, right here in our beloved State of Michigan,” said Dingell. “Double Up Food Bucks not only helps our local economy by supporting Michigan farmers, it provides low-income families access to healthy food and helps instill healthy food habits for people of all walks of life in our communities.”
At the market, Dingell met with Rachel Chadderdon, the Double Up Program Director to learn more about the program and see what federal programs and grants are available to help support their program. He also spoke to small business owners and farmers who have booths at the Dearborn Farmer’s Market.
Dingell said, “While Michigan’s economy is showing signs of recovery many families across our state continue to struggle. One in five Michiganders are currently eligible for food stamps, but not access to fresh healthy food. This program is changing that.”
The Double Up Food Bucks program is an initiative of the Fair Food Network, which encourages healthier eating and provides greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income Michigan families. Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program “matches” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance benefits spent at participating farmers’ markets in Michigan.
“Witnessing the Double Up Program at work made me very proud of the community togetherness in the 15th District.,” said Dingell. “Public-private partnerships that work together to promote nutrition and buying local are win-win projects, and this program is proof of that.”
Here is a link to a picture of the event at the Dearborn Farmer’s Market. Pictured from left to right are Kent County Commissioner Candace E. Chivis who helps with the program in Grand Rapids and was in Dearborn on vacation, Congressman Dingell, and Double Up Food Bucks Director Rachel Chadderdon.
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