On August 2nd, 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) award of $2,276,890 to Produce Perks Midwest. This award expands the, now statewide, Produce Perks program which increases affordable access to healthy, local produce for the 1.4 million Ohioans receiving SNAP. The award, along with matching funds contributed by Produce Perks Midwest and partners from across the state known collectively as the Ohio Nutrition Incentive Network (OH-NIN), represents a $4.6 million commitment to food insecure families, Ohio farmers and local economies.
Ohio State University Extension, Cuyahoga County in addition to other OH-NIN members is committed to ensuring equitable and affordable access to healthy food for all Ohioans by joining Produce Perks Midwest to reach more Ohioans. To view the press release click here.
This season the Produce Perks program is offered at 25 locations in Cuyahoga County. The program provides a $1-for-$1 match for shoppers using SNAP/EBT to buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. In May, the match was increased from $10 to $20, significantly increasing the program’s impact. SNAP sales for 2018 in Cuyahoga County have already reached $21,000 with Ohio Direction Card shoppers receiving over $20,000 in Produce Perks. Since April, our local program has reached 450 new families and has continued to serve 304 returning families.
Sourced from the OSUE Cuyahoga County Fall Newsletter