Legislature should strengthen SNAP program

At Farm Hands - Nourish the Flathead, we are passionate about building a strong community food system and connecting people to fresh, Montana-grown food regardless of their income. We are hopeful, as we emerge from the long winter into warmer months ahead, that we can learn from the hardships over the past year.

We have seen how strengthening local food systems and ensuring access to food during difficult times creates healthier families and more resilient communities. One small but important step in this direction is through our farmers markets. Purchasing fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese, meats and other Montana products invests in our local food system and supports our family farmers, who work tirelessly to grow food for our tables.

To help make local food available to all of our residents, nearly all markets across Lake and Flathead counties – including the Kalispell Farmers Market, Whitefish Farmers Market, Columbia Falls Community Market, Bigfork Village Market, Ronan Farmers Market, Polson Farmers Market, and St. Ignatius Mission Falls Farmers Market – not only accept SNAP benefits but also offer Double SNAP Dollars. Double SNAP Dollars increases the buying power of SNAP customers by providing a $1 for $1 match (up to $20), encouraging them to spend a portion of their benefits at the farmers market. Double SNAP Dollars is a win-win, helping people afford healthy, local food, while infusing federal SNAP benefits into our local food system.

With all of this in mind, we are so pleased that the Montana Legislature is considering strengthening Montana’s Double SNAP Dollars program. Double SNAP Dollars currently operates at 23 farmers markets, two Community Supported Agriculture (farm share) programs, and one retail grocery store across Montana. A modest investment from the state would be further leveraged with federal funds, along with private dollars to support more farms, retailers and families across Montana.

We already know how powerful this program can be. Since its limited inception in 2015, Double SNAP Dollars has benefited 6,000 low-income Montana families, and resulted in an additional $500,000 in revenue for local farmers. In a survey of families using Double SNAP Dollars, 96% reported consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables as a result of the program. Research shows that these nutritional improvements will help children learn at school, improve health outcomes for seniors and people with disabilities, and reduce healthcare spending in Montana.

Double SNAP Dollars makes good sense for our entire community. And state investment could not come as a better time, as we work to strengthen food systems and recover from the pandemic. We encourage our local legislators to support House Bill 235 to support this great program.

Gretchen Boyer is Executive Director of Farm Hands- Nourish the Flathead.