Thanks to program evaluation by our partner Case Western Reserve University, we can proudly say that Produce Perks saw statewide growth in 2017. The program, offered at 77 farmers’ markets in 15 counties across the state, impacted thousands of customers and hundreds of Ohio farmers.
Increase in SNAP Dollars and Incentives Spent at Farmers’ Markets
SNAP sales at participating farmers’ markets jumped from $138,113 in 2016 to $156,173 in 2017. SNAP sales impact not only farmers, but any vendor selling SNAP eligible food items at the market. Not surprisingly, the data shows that Ohio’s peak farmers’ market season falls between May and October.
Customers spent $100,691 in incentive dollars with farmers to buy healthy fresh fruits and vegetables – an increase of 32.8% over 2016.
More Customers Utilized Produce Perks
The number of customers utilizing the Produce Perks program increased from 5,612 to 6,691. Customers traveled from 356 zip codes and collectively those consumers made over eleven thousand transactions.
