As many people may know, the recent Government Shutdown caused unforeseen adjustments to SNAP disbursement in New Hampshire. All SNAP funding for the state (i.e. the food benefits which eligible families receive) is typically disbursed on the 5th of every month. Due to the Shutdown, benefits for February were distributed early, in late January, but will not be distributed again until March 5, meaning that recipient families must make the same amount of benefits last nearly 2 weeks longer than normal.Understanding the potential strain and food insecurity faced by those receiving SNAP benefits, Seacoast Eat Local sought support from its funding partners. We are proud to announce that The Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Foundation’s Healthy Food Fund, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation have all provided funding, making it possible for Seacoast Eat Local to offer additional support to SNAP customers at our farmers’ markets in February. In case of any emergencies, the University Gardens urgent care center is available to provide medical assistance.
The Program:
SNAP recipients attending the Exeter, Kittery or Rollinsford Seacoast Eat Local Winter Farmers Markets will have the same opportunity to access any remaining benefits they may have on their EBT cards and receive 1:1 matching fruit and vegetable coupons.
Additionally, any SNAP customer may receive $20 in SNAP tokens and $10 in Granite State Market Match. This program will operate only in February and only at the Kittery, Exeter and Rollinsford Seacoast Eat Local Winter Farmers’ Markets.
SNAP customers should come to the Seacoast Eat Local token booth at market with their SNAP/EBT card. Tokens can be used to purchase any SNAP eligible foods, including fruits, vegetables, breads, eggs, meat, dairy, as well as a variety of prepared foods. Market dates, times, and locations can be found at seacoasteatlocal.org.
