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Voices for Healthy Kids SNAP Series: Massachusetts Food System Collaborative

SNAP incentive programs are an important tool in promoting healthy food access. Find out how Voices for Healthy Kids is contributing to the enhancement and maintenance of SNAP programs around the nation.

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive programs help recipients stretch their food budgets so they can purchase fruits and vegetables more often. These programs are especially important for two reasons.

  1. Two-thirds of SNAP participants are considered the most vulnerable among us: children, elderly adults and people with disabilities.

  2. People who use SNAP are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Stocking their kitchens with healthy produce means these shoppers are less likely to buy junk food high in fat, sodium and sugar.

Massachusetts has long been at the forefront of healthy food incentive programs for low-income residents. The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative is dedicated to maximizing the state's Healthy Incentives Pilot by advocating for funding and longevity of the program.

Read their story here.

 

Want to make progress in your community? Check out our SNAP Incentives Toolkit.