Fulton Street Market has a matching program that encourages people receiving food assistance to buy local produce. (May 15, 2024)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Fulton Street Market is working to bring fresh produce at affordable prices to people in need.
The market is working to close the nutritional economic gap through a variety of food assistance programs. Fulton Street Market Executive Director Dana Ardley said they have programs in place to make fresh produce within reach.
“Everyone has the right to a healthy diet, and it’s so important that our community members have access to the rich bounty that Michigan agriculture provides us,” said Eardley. .
It started with the SNAP program accepting bridge cards in 2011 and expanded to include additional programs. Bridge card holders can redeem their benefits at the market office and exchange them for tokens that can be spent on produce.
Fulton Street Market has a matching program that encourages people receiving food assistance to buy local produce. (May 15, 2024)
Double Up Food Bucks can match up to $20 a day on Michigan produce if someone uses a bridge card.
“This is a statewide program, and the 2x Food Back model actually started in Michigan and has grown to over 10 states at this point,” Ardley said.
The market also donates some of its unused produce to local homeless shelters.
“We give out about $150,000 in food assistance each year, which has a huge economic impact, especially for these small businesses. Having these dollars available here is a huge benefit to our community. It really makes a big impact,” Ardley said.
Vendors like Martin’s Sugarbush and Produce in Dutton say the program is having a real impact.
“We’re able to serve more people, a broader range of people, and we’re able to help people who have a hard time getting fresh food, because sometimes it can be a little expensive. Because we know that,” said employee Ethan. Volkersma.
Fulton Street Market has a matching program that encourages people receiving food assistance to buy local produce. (May 15, 2024)
Fulton Street Market has a matching program that encourages people receiving food assistance to buy local produce. (May 15, 2024)
Fulton Street Market in Grand Rapids. (May 15, 2024)
The market will continue to strive to make its agricultural products available to more people.
“It’s easy to forget the profound impact individuals have on their families, but we can work with farmers, work with customers to implement these programs and make sure everyone has access to healthy food. That’s great,” Ardrey said. He said.
