Nutrition Programs Such As Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards To Benefit
$1.2 million in funding in the governor’s budget will enable programs, such as Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards, to improve access to healthy food for low-income Mainers relying on SNAP/EBT assistance.
Members of the Maine Local Food Access Network gathered, along with state officials, at the Augusta Farmers’ Market at Mill Park August 8 to announce the allocation and to highlight the effects it will have on nutrition initiatives throughout the state.
The allocation in the governor’s budget will be added to the Maine’s Fund To Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutrition Incentives. The announcement came during National Farmers Market Week, now in its 24th year. Our state has a network of 92 summer and 25 winter farmers’ markets.
Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards are programs that offer shoppers discounts, or “bonus bucks,” when they use their SNAP/EBT benefits to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. Nationally, participants in these programs consume four times more fruits and vegetables than the average American.
Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards are programs that offer shoppers discounts, or “bonus bucks,” when they use their SNAP/EBT benefits to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. Nationally, participants in these programs consume four times more fruits and vegetables than the average American.
“Maine Harvest Bucks has transformed farmers’ markets and farm stands across Maine into essential hubs for healthy food access, benefiting all Mainers,” said Jimmy DeBiasi, Executive Director of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets. “Our surveys indicate that MHB shoppers adopt healthier eating habits, discover new foods, and rely less on food pantries, thanks to our program.”
The state funding will significantly expand the reach and availability of nutrition incentive programs throughout all regions of Maine.
“We are excited to introduce Farm Fresh Rewards to various store locations across Maine. Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that all Mainers, including farmers and shoppers from New Mainer and indigenous communities, can benefit from our program,” said Courtney Kennedy of Good Shepherd Food Bank, who oversees the administration of Farm Fresh Rewards at small stores and retailers.
In 2021 and 2022, Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards collectively provided over $2 million worth of food access to households experiencing food insecurity, while bolstering sales for Maine farms and producers. The programs help to keep federal SNAP dollars circulating within the local economy.
In 2021 and 2022, Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards collectively provided over $2 million worth of food access to households experiencing food insecurity, while bolstering sales for Maine farms and producers. The programs help to keep federal SNAP dollars circulating within the local economy.
The legislative accomplishment resulted from bipartisan efforts. State Rep. Bill Pluecker and Sen. Matt Pouliot highlighted the importance of supporting easier access to better quality food.
More than 100 stores, farmers’ markets, farm stands, and CSA farms participate in nutrition incentive programs across Maine.
For more information, visit www.maineharvestbucks.org or www.farmfreshrewards.org.
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. Visit www.RealMaine.com to plan your Real Maine summer agricultural experience and connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
