Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

USDA to push access to farmers markets, By Meghann Meyers, May 11, 2012, Philadelphia Inquirer: “Farmers markets are a popular source of reasonably priced fresh produce, but across the country many accept only cash or checks – a big problem for low-income shoppers using food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to change that. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan this week announced a $4 million grant for states to help implement wireless technology that will allow more farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps. Markets need wireless Internet or land-line connections in order to accept payments from customers using government benefits, a system known as Electronic Benefits Transfer…”
Demand for food stamps down slightly in Tampa area, By Kevin Wiatrowski, May 14, 2012, Tampa Tribune: “The demand for food stamps has begun to slow in the Tampa area and statewide, but millions of Floridians still need help feeding themselves and their children. That’s according to the most recent accounting by the state Department of Children and Families, which tracks enrollment in aid programs such a food stamps, cash welfare and Medicaid. DCF spokeswoman Erin Gillespie said the flattening out of food stamp demand mirrors the slow improvement in the state’s employment numbers, which fell to 9 percent last month…”