Expansion of SNAP participation at Petersburg Public Library Market

Accessing healthy foods is a basic right for each individual, but in low-income neighborhoods, access and affordability create a barrier to achieving these needs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial assistance for qualifying, low-income individuals and families when purchasing groceries. Providing financial assistance alone is not enough to reduce the food access gap for low-income households and neighborhoods. Farmers markets are a source of fresh fruits and vegetables and oftentimes provide incentives for purchasing these products using SNAP benefits such as discounts on fresh produce. This type of program, along with increased community involvement and outreach, has been effective in increasing SNAP participation amongst these markets. Despite the potential that SNAP has on farmers markets participation rates, levels still remain low. Through a comprehensive literature review, research showed financial incentives such as discounts and promotional methods increase the participation of SNAP customers amongst farmers markets. The purpose of this program was to test the efficacy of promotional materials in increasing the awareness of farmers markets and the benefits they provide to SNAP customers in Petersburg, VA. Findings showed no substantial success in overall SNAP redemption as SNAP sales and transactions between May 2023 and 2024 had a -9% change and a +9% change between June 2023 and 2024. This initial investigation provides helpful insight to community organizations looking to collaborate with farmer's markets to increase SNAP participation rates. Moving forward, continued collaboration between stakeholders will be essential to sustain motivation and determination when aiming to increase accessibility and affordability of healthy behaviors, such as purchasing and consuming fruits and vegetables.