State and local government officials were on hand yesterday at St. Anne’s Hospital to extoll the virtues of the three farmers’ markets held in Fall River that also provide healthy fruits and vegetables to those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Those on SNAP are also automatically enrolled in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) where recipients can use their SNAP cards to purchase fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ markets and have their purchases not count against their monthly balance. Money spent at the markets is automatically replaced back onto their cards.
The farmers’ markets in Fall River are a collaboration between Mass in Motion Fall River and the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) that recruits local farmers to sell their wares.
HIP is also being extended during the winter months as SNAP recipients can order produce online and have it delivered to their homes. Fall River resident Diane says she has benefited greatly from the program.
The farmers’ markets are held every Tuesday from 11 am to 2 pm at St. Anne’s Hospital, Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm at HealthFirst Family Care Center and Fridays from 11 am to 2 pm at Cardinal Medeiros Tower. The outdoor markets will run until October 28.
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