The first season of Ten Rivers Food Web’s That’s My Farmer SNAP Incentive Program (TMF)  helped more Oregon families afford fresh, local produce and strengthened support for small farms. During the 2011 season, participating farmers’ markets saw an increase of $17,116 in federal food assistance dollars spent in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties compared to 2010.  Additionally, low-income consumers received more than $9,000 in incentive funds from community donations to spend with local farms.

TMF is a partnership with  markets in Albany, Brownsville, Sweet Home, Corvallis and Newport. When customers spend at least $6 of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as food stamps) at these markets, they receive an extra $6 in market tokens redeemable for fresh foods.

In Newport, where volunteers sold lemonade to support the program, there was 102% growth in SNAP transactions this season.  SNAP clients there spent almost $5,000 of their benefits on local food.  The Lemonade Project was the design of Katie McNeil, owner of Pacific Sourdough, who hopes the idea will catch on at other farmers’ markets. She comments about this past season, “I would like to give extra special credit to the volunteers; without them it wouldn’t happen.  It is a simple idea, a good product, easy to execute and profitable – a win for everyone. But without volunteer staff it would not be so.  We are looking forward to another fun summer.” Volunteers in Lebanon, impressed with success of the Lemonade Project in Newport, will adopt the model at their market next season.

The Lemonade Project raises funds to support That's My Farmer at the Newport Farmers' Market.

Albany Farmers’ Market saw an 86% increase in SNAP transactions over 2010 numbers, with SNAP customers there spending over $6,000 in federal food benefits to support local farmers.  Local food advocate Matt Bennett of Sybaris Bistro was instrumental in producing this growth and will host a second dinner to support That’s My Farmer, showcasing sustainable Oregon seafood, on February 26, 2012 at Linn-Benton Community College.

Smaller markets didn’t see the same dramatic increase in SNAP sales as larger cities, although access to fresh fruits and vegetables tends to be more difficult in communities with only one or two retail food outlets.  Based on lessons learned this season, Ten Rivers Food Web will increase outreach and food education opportunities to raise awareness about the program in smaller communities.

The That’s My Farmer SNAP Incentive Program will be offered in nine markets next season, expanding to Lebanon, Lincoln City, Toledo, and Yachats in 2012.

In Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties 40,500 people receive federal food assistance through the SNAP program.  In Linn and Lincoln counties, 33% of children are dependent on SNAP benefits, far outpacing the national average. The SNAP program brings more than $910 million into the state economy annually.

Support for the That’s My Farmer SNAP Incentive Program comes from Clemenza’s Italian American Cafe, Corvallis congregations, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the Lemonade Project, Linn-Benton Community College, Meyer Memorial Trust, Samaritan Health Services Community Health Improvement Partnerships, Spirit Mountain Community Fund, and Sybaris Restaurant.