Integrating Food Assistance into Local Food Systems - SNAP Authorization at Farmers Markets

This subgroup is focused on increasing access and removing the stigma often associated with receiving and utilizing public food assistance and creating an equitable system of food sovereignty (the right of people to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods and their right to define their own food/agricultural systems) and procurement.

This subgroup seeks to encourage new and existing farmers markets in Denver to be Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized vendors, through dedicated funding support– community development, support farmers, and address barriers to local and healthy food access for all community members, regardless of income level. Policy will support farmers markets of all sizes with technical assistance as they transition to authorized markets/vendors while expanding choice for recipients of public food assistance to purchase culturally relevant, nutritious, and local foods. The goal of this policy is to encourage community access to farmers markets by reducing stigma through thoughtful and responsive engagement and outreach for all communities in Denver.

More information to come as we engage further with community members, local farmers, and market managers to inform an inclusive and equitable policy to support access to local food systems.