SNAP at Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets throughout the region accept SNAP/EBT. Some also offer SNAP incentive programs, such as ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables. Find out more about SNAP at farmers markets and Double SNAP.
Farm Fresh Produce Prescription
As part of the Farm Fresh for Health initiative, ASAP is currently operating two Farm Fresh Produce Prescription models. In the farmers market model, participating healthcare providers can prescribe patients more fresh fruits and vegetables to help treat or prevent diet-related illness. Patients redeem their prescription for Farm Fresh Bucks, which can be spent on fruits and vegetables at a local farmers market. In the CSA model, a pilot program in Swain County, participants receive CSA-style produce boxes delivered weekly.
Appalachian Farms Feeding Families
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASAP launched Appalachian Farms Feeding Families. The program aimed to help families struggling to access fresh foods as well as provide a market outlet for farms that had lost restaurant and other business customers during the lockdown. ASAP worked with food relief sites to assess needs on a community-by-community basis. Sites included food banks, charitable prepared food services, and child and adult care feeding sites. ASAP contracted with a farm in the same community to supply one or more sites. Over two years, the program distributed more than $300,000 in local food, partnering with with 55 farms and 72 feeding sites.
Appalachian Farms Feeding Families initially ended in 2022, but has been reestablished as part of ASAP’s response to Hurricane Helene. This dual-benefit program designed to support both farmers and the community. The program gets fresh, locally grown food to people impacted by the storm, while at the same time providing cash flow for farms that are in the process of rebuilding or have lost market outlets. The storm recovery iteration of Appalachian Farms Feeding Families is supporting farms and community members through two programs, focused on early care and education (ECE) sites and restaurants. Visit ASAP’s Appalachian Farms Feeding Families webpage for more information and reach out to David Smiley with any questions.