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Farmers' Market Doubles Food Stamp Benefits

MIAMI A farmers' market in Overtown, a food desert community here considered to be one of Miami-Dade County's most underserved areas, had a dedication ceremony last week commemorating its participation in a program to help provide nutritious food to low-income residents. The market will feature a Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP), created by the Wholesome Wave Foundation, Westport, Conn., which doubles

MIAMI — A farmers' market in Overtown, a “food desert” community here considered to be one of Miami-Dade County's most underserved areas, had a dedication ceremony last week commemorating its participation in a program to help provide nutritious food to low-income residents.

The market will feature a Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP), created by the Wholesome Wave Foundation, Westport, Conn., which doubles the value of benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Food Stamps.

Wholesome Wave Foundation has partnered with Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, and Human Services Coalition (HSC) in establishing the market. Space for the market has been provided by Roots In the City, a nonprofit, community-based organization.

The market, which debuted March 24, will be open to the public for both EBT and cash transactions, Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. through the end of April, resuming in the fall when the main growing season returns.

“The Overtown community has historically had little access to affordable, healthy foods,” said Colleen Perdue, vice president of programs for HSC. “Working with our network of partner organizations, we will introduce the Roots In the City Farmers Market to the neighborhood and create a healthy hub that will nourish and sustain it for the long term.”

“Our goal is to serve as a model for the rest of the state by demonstrating how this Wholesome Wave program is not only essential for [families'] well-being, but that it can be economically viable as well,” said Michel Nischan, president and chief executive officer, Wholesome Wave Foundation.