Rochester Public Market's Food Stamp Program Thrives
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: August 9, 2012
This is National Public Market Week and over the years, the Rochester Public Market has thrived. Especially, when it comes to providing fresh foods to low income families.
The Rochester Public Market's Token program is the most productive of its kind for snap or food stamp users in the state. The market exchanges SNAP or Food Stamp benefits for tokens.
Those tokens can be used at any stand in the market.
In 2008, tokens accounted for $50,000 in sales. Just last year, that number radically increased to $440,000 in sales.
Most of the tokens are used for fruits and vegetables - but can also buy meat, dairy products and baked goods.
Friends of the Public Market say the program is successful due to a need since the downturn in the economy.
The Rochester Public Market is open three days a week year round - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Click here for more information about the Rochester Public Market.
