Heirloom Farmers Market Receives Grant To Help Underprivileged

Tucson News Now – By Maria Hechanova – Posted April 3rd 2015

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently awarded $31.5 million in grant money to local, state and national organizations across the country to support low-income families.

Heirlooms Farmers Markets, a nonprofit group based in Tucson, is one of the recipients. Its leaders say it will receive more than $85,000 to use over the next three years. The dollars will go to families who use SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The goal is to get those families to shop at select farmers markets and  buy more fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Encouraging low income families to put more healthy food in their grocery baskets is part of the USDA’s ongoing commitment to improving the diet and health of all Americans,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Roxanne Garcia, a spokesperson for Heirlooms Farmers Markets says they hope to start the program in May. Leaders are still working out the details on how it will work.

Heirlooms Farmers Market is a nonprofit group that strives to create a sustainable food system. Each year, its initiatives reach more than 50,000 underserved consumers and their families.

Heirlooms Farmers Markets set up weekly at various locations.

Today, there’s one at Trail Dust Town near Tanque Verde & Grant Rd. on the eastside. It’s open Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Story: http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/28714447/heirloom-farmers-market-receives-grant-to-help-underprivileged