Midwest sees increase in food stamps at farmers markets

Midwest sees increase in food stamps at farmers markets
AP/file
Midwest sees increase in food stamps at farmers markets
AP/file

Midwest sees increase in food stamps at farmers markets

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Illinois saw an increase in the number of farmers markets accepting food stamps.

Financially, that translated into a 112-percent increase in food stamp redemptions.

The Midwest did better than any other region this year when it came to food stamp usage at farmers markets.Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio all had dramatic surges compared with last year. Likewise, Chicago experienced an increase.

Food stamps at farmers markets help low-income families.

“It’s important to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Audrey Rowe, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Many individuals who are participants in our program live in what are called food deserts. Many of them are not even aware of where they can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Rowe says red tape was cut for farmers - and that led to an ease in upping the number of markets that accept food stamps.

Midwest Region Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers (DMF) Count and Redemption Data

2010 Number of Markets/DMF

2011 Number of Markets/DMF

2010 SNAP Redemptions

2011 SNAP Redemptions

2010 / 2011 Redemptions Increase  %

Illinois

33

48

$32,600

$69,320

112.64%

Indiana

10

24

$8,338

$20,527

146.19%

Michigan

80

153

$578,518

$1,076,611

86.10%

Minnesota

27

44

$20,007

$66,652

233.14%

Ohio

56

84

$81,086

$167,040

106.00%

Wisconsin

25

46

$48,962

$77,042

57.35%

Totals

231

399

$769,511

$1,477,192

Source: USDA