In 2008, the phrase “Food Stamps” was changed to “SNAP” – which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – but, whatever you call the food benefits from social services, they’ll continue to be worth twice as much as cold hard cash when used at the High Point Farmer’s Market throughout 2024.
For the fourth year in a row, Bethany Medical and the Lenny Peters Foundation is sponsoring the Farmers Market’s “Double the Bucks” program.
Bethany Medical and the foundation are well known for their good work in the community. Thanks to their donation this year, the market will have the funds to double the value of SNAP customers’ made with an “EBT” card – a government issued electronic benefit transfer card.
Every dollar charged to a SNAP account will be matched dollar for dollar, meaning that those on limited budgets will have access to the fresh and healthy vegetables, baked goods, and herbs the market is known for.
Global Director of the Lenny Peters Foundation John Joyce stated in a Wednesday, Jan. 17 press release that this program is more important than ever due to inflation.
“As much as at any point in time, rising costs and diminishing resources are making it harder for families to eat consistently, let alone healthily,” Joyce said. “The High Point Farmers Market, its vendors and specifically the ‘Double the Bucks’ campaign are an invaluable resource for our community, which remains our honor and duty to support.”
According to Market Manager Lee Gann, last year, over $9,300 in Double the Bucks dollars were reimbursed to fifteen vendors who participated.
The High Point Public Library puts on the High Point Farmers Market at 901 N. Main St. in that city. This year, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday from April 20 to October 26.
In addition to food vendors, the market always has craft vendors, live music and a food truck.
An e-newsletter is available with information on seasonal produce and weekly events at the market. To sign up, you can visit www.highpointnc.gov and click the “Notify Me” tab.
For more information about the market, those interested can contact Gann at hpfarmersmarket@highpointnc.gov or 336-689-4463.
I work a job. I’m not on public assistance. My costs are rising and my resources are diminishing. They have been since January 20, 2021. Where’s my dollar for dollar match?
You mean Bidenomics ain’t working for you? Me neither.
As The Senile Octogenarian expresses surprise that his slushie cost $6, he’s still trying to tel us that inflation is just 3% !
What lies.
What liars.
Here you go Bryan!
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/human-services/continuum-of-care/get-help
It’s ok to ask for help.
You need to quit working, and become a moocher.
I did not choose to quit working, I had to, because of my health. Yet, if you’ll read the answer I left on here, you’ll at least know why, even if you can’t understand the need. So, in your words, I, as well as my best friend, in addition to millions of others, use the system the way it was intended. Yet, you dare say we are mooching off the government? Please be upset at those who abuse the system, and mooch, not us, and not everyone. Drive to any social security, social services building, or, the like. Shame those that have brand new luxury vehicles with them all blinged, their automobiles. Do that- embarrass them, write notes for their windshields, or whatever would make you happy. My car is from the early nineties, with over 400K miles on it. Some days it might start, but has no heat, no air. It takes expensive things called gas, and insurance. The muffler, brakes, tires, wipers, and so much more need replacing. It does not even lock, and the trunk is held closed by a bungee cord. Nobody has ever tried to steal it, so that is a blessing in and of itself. There is no way in heck, that I could afford a car payment, even if it was $25/month. I can’t even afford a fresh lemon, my splurge every few months, when I can afford the luxury of one.
The bonus double dollars are a lot to us; whereas it might only be $5 to you.
It’s High Point. Those same food stamps are accepted by drug dealers and pimps as well, but not at this rate. Thugs treat it like crypto. After all, it is funny money. The joke is on us, the taxpayer.
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This is just a slap in the face and an insult to young working families who are struggling to feed their families.
SNAP recipients don’t pay Sales Tax on the food they buy. Working people do.
That’s bad enough, but rewarding the deadbeats by doubling their freebie is disgusting.
What about the decent people who are paying their own way?
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I’m on disability, and receive SNAP benefits. My low stipend from the government, does not cover all of my rent, utilities, and medications, not even factoring in the cost of food. I would love to work, even if it would allow me one fast food meal, a month. It has been years since I could splurge like that. Instead, my splurge each month is a fresh lemon. It costs $0.45, and still, I can’t always cover it. But, with multiple cancers, and other severe chronic conditions, including two diseases that lower my immune system. (NOT AIDS, HIV, etc. Mine are a result of bad genetics.) The money I made in corporate America, using my doctorate, was gone the first four months of being unemployed, due to my health. I was forced to retire, because I couldn’t handle the daily schedule, as I slept, puked, and such, if I could make it a good day. Every day that I can get out of bed, by myself, is a great day. There are many that can’t do that. Now, after chemo, and radiation treatments, I can’t make it out ut of bed, many days! Yet, you’re upset because I’m smooching off the government in your terms? When I was able to hold down a job, my paycheck was more in a month, then I get for a year, on disability. I paid my taxes when I worked, and, have wiped out the savings of family, and friends. Before you judge everyone on government money, ask their story. My best friend is also on disability, and receives SNAP. She has lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, a lumpy thyroid, failing kidneys, and always has some sort of broken bone- right now her back, from all her medications that have weakened her bones. Monthly, someone will yell at her about using her handicapped placard. Yes, she looks fine on the outside, but has more pain then anybody knows about. Before Christmas, she had sinus infections, bronchitis, a broken back, COVID, double pneumonia, a middle ear infection, all while going through a severe migraine. Doctors refused to take her on, since she has Medicaid, and she couldn’t afford anything. Finally, the hospital took care of her, as the last resort. She has a master’s degree.
How are we to survive? Fresh foods cost more than processed foods, and we can’t even afford that much! Learning about this opportunity, is a blessing to us. We MIGHT be able to buy a few fresh vegetables that our bodies crave, and need the nutrition from. Who do, or more importantly, who can we turn to, at this stage of what is supposedly is life?
I understand that life has delivered you to an unfortunate position. For some people, circumstances beyond their control have laid them low, through no fault of their own. It could happen to me, or anyone. That’s why I personally agree with state provided financial help for people who have suffered such misfortune, hopefully temporarily.
But I remind you that such financial assistance is made possible by the work of other people.
It behooves you to be cognizant of that.
I was one of those that contributed to the welfare of others. But, I did pay into the system, as you do now. If I didn’t need chemo, radiation, or other expensive medications, I would gladly work again, as much as I could. I thrived while bringing businesses together so both could thrive. It is disheartening to know how I took drinks/meals/entertainment with friends so much for granted. Now, I can’t even afford a fresh lemon every month. It’s humiliating how poor I am now. But, such is his way. Don’t ever take the lucky dollar left in a pocket for granted.
Our company footed the bills for many, from scholarships to food to vital care. Unfortunately, I’m the one that needs that now. Volunteering with so many organizations, gave me an inside to what others go through. It still didn’t prepare me for the reality.
If you ever want to trade places, I’d be more than happy to. But, nobody ever says I want to be on Medicare/Medicaid, to line up for free food, or be on SNAP (food stamps). I pictured myself as retiring to the beach in another five years, or so, but, that dream is up in smoke now.
But, again, I’m a moocher. What the heck do I care who gives me all this free stuff?