As part of its ongoing commitment to creating health equity and fighting food insecurity, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has partnered with the St. Helena Farmers Market (SHFM) to expand reach of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Beginning on April 8 in Greensburg, SHFM shoppers who have a Louisiana Purchase EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card will receive a three-to-one match for up to $15 in purchases, getting a total of $20 worth of fresh foods and produce for spending $5.
“Helping ensure access to fresh foods is one of the ways we support nutritious eating—a fundamental social determinant of health,” Dana Lawson,d MD, Louisiana Healthcare Connections vice president of population health and clinical operations. “According to the USDA, Louisiana has the third-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, so every effort to reduce it matters. Community partners like the St. Helena Farmers Market mean we have strong allies with which to build food security and health equity in Louisiana.”
SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. In Louisiana, that translates to about one in five people who receive monthly SNAP support. Loaded on their Louisiana Purchase card, benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at SNAP-participating retailers. Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a matching partner with five of the seven farmers markets in the state accepting SNAP benefits.
“Our mission is to educate, empower, and motivate St. Helena Parish,” noted Marquetta L. Anderson, FCS extension agent and St. Helena Healthy Communities Coalition facilitator. “By providing opportunities to develop a more accessible and healthier lifestyle, we help improve the overall health of our community.”
To launch the SNAP-match partnership, St. Helena Farmers Market and Louisiana Healthcare Connections are hosting a special “SNAP IT UP!” celebration at the April 8 market. The event will feature local dignitaries, entertainment, and giveaways and will take place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the corner of Sitman Street and LA-10 in Greensburg. For more information about the event, contact Marquetta Anderson at {225) 222-4136 or maanderson@agcenter.lsu.edu.