When the federal government shutdown lasted for 43 days, many families in Washtenaw County lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support. In response, the Ypsilanti Farmers Market quickly launched a new initiative called the SNAP Gap program. This program aims to help locals access fresh, nutritious food, especially during tough times. Even though SNAP benefits resumed on November 13, the SNAP Gap program will continue through the winter to support families and local farmers.
Market Manager Claire Austin said, “We’ve never done anything like this before. It was created specifically for our state of emergency.” The program is designed for everyone but focuses on low-income and food-insecure individuals.
At the market, shoppers can exchange their EBT/Bridge Card for $40 in market tokens at the Info Booth. These tokens can be spent on any food items, fresh or prepared, from market vendors. Shoppers using SNAP can also participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches funds for Michigan-grown produce.
Initially, the market had planned to launch a similar program in 2026, but the shutdown sped things up. “We held an emergency meeting and quickly got everything ready,” Austin explained.
The SNAP Gap program has been a hit, making it easier for families to access fresh food. Growing Hope, the nonprofit behind the market, is now considering how to keep the program going year-round. “There’s a real need for this type of assistance,” Austin noted, especially as food prices continue to rise.
The current Double Up program is set to end at the year’s close, but the SNAP Gap will run through March 2026, with winter markets held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MarketPlace Hall in Ypsilanti. For more information, you can visit ypsimarkets.info.
Austin’s mission is clear: “We’re food access first. This market exists to meet that basic need. Food is the power to do anything.” As community initiatives like these gain traction, it becomes evident that enhancing food access is key to supporting families, especially in challenging times.
According to a recent survey by the Food Research and Action Center, about 13.7% of Americans faced food insecurity in 2022, highlighting the importance of programs like SNAP Gap. Addressing this issue not only helps families but also strengthens local agriculture by supporting farmers and vendors.
In a world of rising food prices and economic uncertainty, community efforts to ensure food access can make a meaningful difference. Understanding the local context and dynamics can help more farmers’ markets adopt similar strategies, creating a network of support that uplifts everyone involved.
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Farmers Market,Healthy Communities,On the Ground
