A new state program in Massachusetts encourages those with limited incomes to eat more local produce through a financial incentive. SNAP or food stamp recipients can now participate in a healthy incentive program where the amount of purchases made at farmer’s markets, mobile market, farm stand, or community supported agriculture program is deposited back into their food account. A purchase of $4 automatically results in $4 being deposited back into their account. By incentivizing purchases at local farms, the money stays within local economies.  Although there are dollar limits according to family size, which typically ranges from $40-$80 per month.

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