On March 4, CATA was invited by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance to a workshop in Hammonton, NJ, on how farmers and farmers' markets can apply to accept SNAP benefits.
Last year, in 2023, CATA applied to the USDA to be approved to accept SNAP at our farm stand in Bridgeton's community garden. We thought this was essential in making the fresh, culturally appropriate produce we grew in the garden accessible to our community's most in need.
In the March 4 event, there was also participation from C.R.O.P.S., an organization out of Atlantic City that is working to ensure access to fresh fruits and veggies for their community as well, as well as from the Burlington Opportunity League, which is going through the process of applying to accept SNAP now and had great insights on how to make the process more efficient and to go more smoothly.
The Good Bucks Food Program of City Green also participated to share opportunities to help SNAP customers DOUBLE the value of their SNAP dollars when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from farms and farmers' markets.
Representatives of the USDA also participated to share about the application process and how the regional office can assist.
We were glad to be part of this presentation and to meet so many other organizations, gardens, farmers' markets, and farmers trying to ensure everyone in our community can enjoy the fresh produce grown in the Garden State!
If you have questions about how your farm or farmers' market can become SNAP-authorized, please get in touch with me (Jessica) at jculley@cata-farmworkers.org. I'll be happy to connect you with a resource in your state! |