September 3, 2009 Program aims to make fresh food more affordable in VT Play video

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Winooski, VT) - This is Jay Gradziel's storefront, the sidewalk of Winooski Falls way in Winooski, Vermont, where he sets up shop every Thursday afternoon. He sells most of his baked goods at farmers' markets to many repeat customers.

Jay: "It's nice to see that reward... the next week- you see the people over and over again..."

And these days, to some new ones thanks to a program that makes shopping here easier and more affordable for low-income Vermonters.

The card is an E.B.T, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, card- issued through the 3SquaresVT program, formerly known as food stamps.

Michelle Blais\Market mgr. "They're able to use it for baked goods, salsa, tomatoes, cucumbers- fresh, healthy foods."

Sixteen farmers' markets currently accept the electronic benefits cards, and now five of those markets are part of a new pilot program that allows low-income Vermonters who use their food stamps to double their money.

Winooski is one of the five sites participating in the harvest health coupon program.

So each food stamp dollar here is now worth two.

Michelle: "The program now allows us- if they get $10 off their food card, they're eligible for $10/day in harvest health coupons."

The program is funded by the Ben and Jerry's and Wholesome Wave Foundations. The aim is to encourage low-income Vermonters to buy more fresh, healthy, local food.