NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A grant through the Tennessee Department of Health aims to help shoppers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits double their funds for fresh food at Nashville Farmers' Market.

Nearly 700,000 Tennesseans could see their SNAP benefits lapse on Saturday, Nov. 1, if the federal government doesn't pass a resolution to keep food assistance programs open.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Office of Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced that the Nashville Farmers' Market plans to match spending up to $100 for all customers using their EBT card though their Fresh Bucks program.

When shoppers spend $100 on fresh food at the market using their benefits, the market will then offer an additional $100 in tokens, according to the mayor's office.

“As the federal government prepares to abandon its responsibility to Americans just trying to put food on the table, we’re once again demonstrating that Metro is ready to help. Fresh Bucks demonstrates how Nashville helps and is another key part of our much bigger affordability agenda,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. ”This program makes a dollar go further at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, where it’s easy to get fresh fruits and vegetables, good meat, milk, and eggs.”

Those using an EBT card can shop at participating booths and then bring their receipt to information booth 173 in the farm shed to receive their Fresh Bucks tokens, which will be equal to the amount that was spent.

“Not only does this program help all our customers get more value for their money, but by doubling customer purchases at our farms’ booths, the program adds additional revenue to our small, local farmers who are dedicated to keeping Nashville fed," added Nashville Farmers' Market Executive Director Darrell Lane.

The reimbursement booth is typically open on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the mayor's office.

Participating vendors reportedly include Smiley's Farm, Plano Produce, Hext Quality Meat and Hancock Family Farms.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/nashville-farmers-market-to-match-snap-benefits-spent-on-fresh-food/