Farmers Markets See More Food Stamp Purchases
ST. PAUL (AP) — Farmers markets in Minnesota saw a jump in the use of food stamps this year.
Nearly 60 farmers markets in Minnesota accept food stamps.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says $226,900 in food stamps were redeemed this year at those farmers markets or with farmers who sell directly to consumers. That's more than three times the $66,900 in food stamps that were redeemed in 2011.
Still, the spending of food stamps at farmers market represents less than 1 percent of total food stamp spending in the state.
The growth is part of a national trend toward making fresh food more accessible to millions of people on food assistance.