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

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.

The SNAP at Farmers Markets working group is examining ways to increase access for SNAP users at Denver farmers markets. Access to local food grown by Colorado producers is often perceived as unaffordable and inaccessible for Denver residents with lower incomes and experiencing chronic food insecurity. As a result, the SNAP at farmers market workgroup through the Sustainable Food Policy Council was developed to further examine perspectives from community members, farmers markets, and local producers. The goal of this issue is to expand community food access to local food systems through the expansion of federal nutrition benefit programs as payment models at Denver farmers markets. 

In 2024 the SFPC voted to approve the SNAP at Farmers Markets Issue Brief and is presently working on development of a Mayoral Advisory to make policy recommendations for Mayor Mike Johnson. More information is 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 through expanding access to SNAP.