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Produce Perks Midwest says SNAP incentives support rural Ohio economies

The leader of a non-profit says strong Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program incentives provide benefit to both Ohio farmers and rural communities.

Tevis Foreman is the executive director of Produce Perks Midwest.

“These dollars are going directly back into localized food systems supporting local farmers, small businesses, and small market retailers throughout communities within Ohio,” he says. “It’s addressing hunger within the household and ultimately improving health outcomes.”

Rachel Tayse with the Ohio Nutrition Incentive Network says recent cuts create additional challenges.

“SNAP customers are not getting the dollar value they need to buy a whole diet,” she says. “Vegetables are expensive and they don’t saccate like other foods, so if they need to make cuts, they’re going to start with fruits and vegetables.”

Both say long-term SNAP funding remains a critical resource for food insecure families across the country.

Tayse and Foreman made their comments during a recent Ohio State Extension webinar.