The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation is now offering grants up to $20,000 to Indiana farmers markets, farm stands, CSAs, and mobile farm markets. Funds must be used to support SNAP matching programs, which provide a $1 for $1 match to SNAP (food stamp) recipients to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

Information about the grant program and the application can be found at www.DoubleUpIndiana.org by clicking on the grants tab.

“We are pleased to offer this grant opportunity in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health,” said Meg Distler, executive director of the St. Joe Foundation. “SNAP matching programs help low-income families double their buying power and purchase twice the amount of fruits and vegetables they would normally be able to afford. Additionally, we know that SNAP matching programs can provide additional revenue for local farmers and markets.” 

Grant funds must be used for the matching incentive for SNAP customers to purchase fresh produce and can also cover program expenses such as staff time, supplies, equipment, and promotions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are granted. Grant funds may support the winter 2022-23 season, summer 2023 season, winter 2023-24 season and summer 2024 season. 

SNAP matching programs operate across the United States and many receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The St. Joe Foundation is a recipient of USDA funding, which supports the St. Joe Foundation’s SNAP matching program in Allen County, called Double Up Indiana. 

Research provided by the USDA shows that SNAP matching participants report eating more fruits and vegetables than the average American adult and the longer they take part in the programs, the more fruits and vegetables they eat. Numerous studies indicate that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables can help improve health and reduce chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Funding for the SNAP matching grants is made possible by the Indiana Department of Health’s Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Technical assistance is provided by Purdue Extension community wellness coordinators.