Double SNAP Impact on Shoppers and Farmers in Western North Carolina, 2021

ASAP began piloting the Double SNAP program in 2019 at the Asheville City Market and has since expanded to eight farmers markets across three counties. This report is based on a survey of farmers market managers, vendors, and customer networks at markets that participated in the Double SNAP program in order to assess impact and gather feedback on the program. The pandemic intensified the need for this program, as farmers lost significant income due to market disruptions like restaurant and other food service closures and as record numbers of households experienced food insecurity. From 2020 to 2021, demand for the Double SNAP program tripled. In 2021, the program matched over $255,000 in SNAP, funneling over $500,000 into the local economy. Over 200 family farmers and small food businesses and nearly 1,100 families benefited.

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