Have you ever wondered if there are any programs that help families during summer? Sun Bucks located at Rail Yards Market helps them!
At Rail Yards Market, families can use Sun Bucks (also known as Summer EBT) to get $3 for produce for every $1 in SNAP benefits this summer.
Rail Yards Market vendors said the programs help connect families with fresh local food while children stay home from school for the summer.
Market leaders like Casey O’Keefe said the limited time incentives uses unused grant money from New Mexico Farmers Market Association and helps families get more fresh food for their money.
“Yeah, everything is just a lot more expensive right now. I am really grateful that we do have these incentives to help people in time of need, too,” said Casey O’Keefe.
Victoria Montoya, fourth-generation orchard grower said the benefits help farmers and the families they serve.
“The Triple Up program is really beneficial to farmers because it gets the customers in here… but it’s also great for their families because it gives them access to local, healthy, nutritious foods,” said Montoya.
“So many children are food insecure, and so that helps them to be able to come and get food that they wouldn’t usually get,” she added.
The Triple SNAP program runs through August 31 or until funding runs out.
This initiative is very beneficial for families who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. It also symbolizes the solidarity with each New Mexicans.
What Is This Initiative All About?
The New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association is helping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers stretch their money when buying locally grown fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.
SNAP purchased are matched for dollar-to-dollar in every participating farmers markets and farm stands. According to Denise Miller, executive director of the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, the program effectively gives SNAP shoppers 50% off fresh fruits and vegetables.
Though, SNAP benefits are usually doubled year-round; starting August 31, benefits will be tripled.
“If they’re taking $10 off their SNAP EBT card, they will get $30 worth of tokens to spend at the market,” Miller said.
There are existing 51 outlets across New Mexico offering this service.
In Bernalillo County, there are six outlets participating including Rail Yards Market, Downtown Growers’ Market, Cedar Crest Farmers’ Market, Big Jim Farms, Polk’s Folly Farm Butcher Shop & Farm Stand, and Rosales Produce.
Miller urges everyone to give this initiative a try to see if this benefits you.
“So just give it a try, and you’ll probably fall in love,” he said.
What Are The Qualifications?
This initiative coincides with New Mexico’s rollout of changes to its SNAP benefits, including new verification requirements for household expenses.
Effective May 1, the state will require documentation for housing, utility and dependent care expenses when families apply for SNAP or report changes.
State officials say these verifications ensure they calculate benefits accurately. If applicants do not verify expenses, officials may not count them, which could result in families receiving less assistance than what they qualify for.
To verify the housing costs, families can provide a lease, mortgage statements, housing agreements, or a letter from their landlord. Utility bills and records such as daycare provider letters, are also required.
Current SNAP recipient will likely review these changes during renewal period, particularly if their information has changed.
Precautionary measures of this kind ensure that someone in every family has access to services and won’t fall short.
At the same time, thousands of New Mexicans receiving SNAP assistance can now access personalized support to fulfill their work requirements, which is 39 hours per month. Case managers pair enrolled participants with career exploration and job search assistance.
Families who are part of this initiative will be able to have food on their table and ease their burden on their food budget.
For more information, SNAP recipients can contact their local Income Support Division officers or visit yes.nm.gov.