Navigating a tight budget can make healthy eating feel like a distant dream for many families. Fresh fruits and vegetables often come with a higher price tag compared to processed and packaged alternatives. For those living paycheck to paycheck, the temptation to opt for cheaper, less nutritious options can be overwhelming.
Studies back this up; for instance, a research project conducted by Harvard and Brown universities revealed that maintaining a healthy diet could cost families an extra $550 annually per person. This additional financial burden can be particularly daunting for families already struggling to make ends meet. The resultant unhealthy diets can lead to various health problems and chronic conditions, which is a challenge no one should face due to their economic situation.
The authors of the study remarked, “For many low-income families, this extra cost is a significant barrier to healthy eating. However, the long-term costs associated with diet-related diseases far outweigh this daily price difference.” Clearly, it’s unacceptable for families with limited resources to have to compromise on their health.
Fortunately, there are initiatives underway aimed at addressing this issue. One notable program, highlighted by NPR, is called Más Fresco—Spanish for “Fresher.” This initiative incentivizes SNAP (food stamp) recipients to purchase fresh produce by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables. Depending on their program tier, participants can earn up to $40 in additional funds, which can only be used to buy more fresh produce.
Administered by the University of California, San Diego, Más Fresco is funded through a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Similar programs have been established in states like Illinois, Kentucky, and New Mexico, among others. Joe Prickett, a dietitian and senior director of Más Fresco, explained, “Food insecurity and chronic diseases often go hand in hand. For SNAP participants, the cost of fruits and vegetables can be prohibitive.”
How Does Más Fresco Work?
Whenever participants spend a dollar on fresh produce, they receive an equal amount to spend on more fruits and vegetables, with limits set at $10, $20, or $40. Researchers have implemented various reward amounts to determine what level most effectively encourages healthier dietary choices.
Since its launch in February 2017, Más Fresco has enrolled over 1,100 participants, who typically receive an average of $329 a month in SNAP benefits. Most participants (90%) are from Latinx backgrounds, although anyone who shops at the designated stores (like Northgate Gonzalez Markets in Los Angeles) can join, provided they meet specific criteria. The program also offers ongoing discounts on produce and educational resources, including healthy cooking classes.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. For example, Maria Lopez, a participant, shared, “I love trying new vegetables now that I can afford them thanks to the extra funds.”
This initiative underscores the importance of ensuring that all families have access to healthy foods without having to choose between financial stability and nutritional well-being. Programs like Más Fresco could and should be replicated across the country to combat food insecurity effectively.
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In summary, the Más Fresco program represents a significant step toward making fresh produce accessible to low-income families, demonstrating that with the right support, healthier eating can become a reality for all.
Keyphrase: affordable fresh produce for food stamp recipients
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