Jun 20, 2012

USDA praises Michigan as “Best in the Midwest”

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Under Secretary Kevin Concannon visited Grand Rapids, Mich., June 20 to highlight West Michigan’s progress in providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Concannon said that “Michigan is the best in the Midwest”for helping SNAP and WIC recipients access what they need at local farmers markets. His efforts this year have included creating grants to give more farmers markets wireless EBT and SNAP card scanners.

According to WZZM-TV, Grand Rapids’ Fulton Street Farmers Market received the handheld devices, which are iPhones with a scanner attached. EBT and SNAP participants swipe their benefits cards at farmers markets instead of just grocery stores.

Concannon said 200 more will be distributed at markets across Michigan, and 4,000 across the country this summer. The USDA estimates there are more than 200 markets in Michigan not currently authorized to accept SNAP.

See more of the story here.