‘It’s on us’: Bay Area farmers markets step up to help SNAP recipients get food

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) — The Bay Area is stepping up to help those facing food insecurity as SNAP benefits run dry for thousands of families.

Hundreds of shoppers gathered at the Marin Civic Center’s Sunday farmer’s market, where local vendors are mobilizing to assist families in need.

“We’re here to help, we have enough so we should share what we can,” said Alex Tishman, owner of Fire Swamp Provisions. Tishman is offering fresh baked goods to any family who needs them.

“It’s on us, it’s an honor system. Just tell us how many people you need to feed, we’ll give you whatever we can,” he added.

Straus Family Creamery is also making a difference. Wendy Booth from Straus explained, “Straus has decided to offer 50% off on all of our products to our EBT and SNAP customers. They just need to show their card.”

The Agricultural Institute of Marin, a nonprofit organization that operates nine certified farmers markets across the Bay Area, has established an emergency fund. This fund helps more than 1,200 households receive free produce from its market vendors.

Enchandra Johnson from Novato shared her worries about her family’s benefits running out but expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It’s a two-way street. We all have to support one another,” she said.

Marin County Supervisors are expected to vote next week on approving $800,000 in emergency funding. This funding aims to help local food banks stock up on supplies to support families in crisis.

“There are thousands who are in need. Yes, when all this gets sorted out at the federal level, those funds will get replenished to holders, but money in the future is not going to help. Where’s my next meal coming from today or tomorrow?” said Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan.

Meanwhile, Contra Costa County leaders are set to vote Tuesday on declaring a local state of emergency. This would help allocate $20 million in reserve funds to purchase grocery debit cards for more than 100,000 SNAP recipients.

“They would pick them up at our social service offices throughout the county and use them to continue shopping and feeding their families,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia.

As the community rallies to provide immediate assistance, families facing food insecurity can find support through these local initiatives, ensuring no one goes hungry while waiting for government benefits to be restored.
https://abc7news.com/post/us-bay-area-farmers-markets-step-help-snap-recipients-get-food/18105643/

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