Goal:

Supplying SNAP recipients with consistent fresh local food using a dedicated collective of farms to improve food and nutrition security, ultimately reducing the chronic disease burden in Garrett County, MD.    

Strategy Description:

Empower local farms by providing opportunities for collaboration with new partners, funding, and technical assistance to get their farm goods into the hands of the most vulnerable.

Level of Change:

Systems

Primary Focus Area:

Social Determinants of Health

Data Category Tag:

GCHD Population Health

Strategic Planning Alignment:

Innovation

Estimated Implementation Date:

2023-09-12

Estimated Completion Date:

2023-09-12

Estimated Ease of Implementation:

Moderate

Estimated Cost of Implementation:

Low

Potential Community Benefit:

High

Health Equity:

The Health Equity Plan/Health Inequities Analysis recommendations were put into action in both the design and implementation of the project. The Minority Health Coordinator has also reviewed the processes and intent of the project. The project aims to utilize an evidence-based approach to address food insecurity directly for a vulnerable population.

Research:

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer who offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. The share typically consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or "subscription") and in return, receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. 12 Several low- income families/individuals living in low-access areas utilize federal benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP (formerly food stamps). SNAP provides low-income Americans with monthly benefits on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used to purchase food at authorized retailers, which include farmers’ markets. 13 Studies have shown that families that utilize SNAP benefits eat more healthy food in locally thriving communities with an increase in income among farmers, making it a win for all. 14 12 Local Harvest (n.d.) Community Supported Agriculture. https://www.localharvest.org/csa/. Accessed on May 15, 2022. 13 Vollinger, E., Bylander, A.,&; Pérez, A. (2021, November 30). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Food Research & Action Center. https://frac.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap Accessed on May 15, 2023. 14 Fair Food Network (2015). Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant Program (FINI). https://fairfoodnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FINI-Project-Grocery-Report_digital-2.pdf. Accessed on May 15, 2023.