Sept. 5, 2008

At farmer's markets across the state, Michigan food assistance recipients can use their benefits to obtain farm fresh, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan leads with 18 farm markets accepting Bridge Card electronic benefits.

Michigan's Food Assistance Program provides federal Food Stamp dollars to low-income families and individuals to supplement their food purchasing power and prevent hunger. In comparison to Michigan, Ohio has seven participating markets; Illinois has five; and Wisconsin has four.

Michigan's participating markets can be found from the Eastern Market in Detroit to Sweetwater Local Foods Market in Montague and even into the Upper Peninsula with farmer's markets in Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie. A list of all 18 locations is available on our Web site at this link.

"Farmers markets are a good option for people to spend their food assistance dollars on healthful fresh fruits and vegetables," DHS Director Ismael Ahmed said. "Adults and children benefit from the nutrition of fresh produce."

An increasing number of Michigan residents rely on the Food Assistance Program. In June 2008, a total of 602,323 households received food assistance. More than 1.2 million individuals receive an average of about $100 a month. The program brings federal dollars into the local economy. For every $5 in benefits provided by federal dollars, there is an additional $9.20 in economic activity in the local community.

"In fact, for every dollar spent locally on fresh fruits and vegetables, three to seven different local businesses are impacted before that dollar leaves the local economy," said Don Koivisto, MDA Director. "If every Michigan household spends just $10 per week of their current grocery budget on local foods, we'd keep more than $37 million each week circulating within our state."

For more information, please consult the DHS Web site at www.michigan.gov/foodstamps

For additional information on farmers markets, please visit http://www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu