Michigan’s Independent Retailers Continue partnerships with Fair Food Network and Double Up Food Bucks
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives $5.1 Million to expand the program — all MIRA members, Michigan Stores
West Bloomfield, Mich. (April 1, 2015) —Fair Food Network’s is expanding their Double Up Food Bucks Program, which was piloted in Detroit with three MIRA members in 2013. This statewide initiative is designed to help low-income Americans by increasing access to healthy foods, while supporting family farmers.
This year there will be 21 stores statewide all of which MIRA members.
“We are proud to continue to partner with Fair Food Network on this very important program,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of MIRA. “We believe these incentive programs are the best ways to increase healthy food consumption while simultaneously supporting local famers. Our foundation also helps fund this program.”
The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant will be matched with other private funds, which will increase the total investment to more than $10 million.
The grant will allow for expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to more grocery stores and farmers markets across the state. It will also help fund new technology and other innovations in order to better serve participants of the program.
The program will have a direct impact on the state by helping promote healthy eating habits of residents, increasing the need for goods produced by regional farmers and ensuring revenue generated will stay in the local economy.
Double up has seen tremendous growth over the last six years, which included expansion to more than 150 markets sites across the state. These locations not only help serve more than 300,000 low income families, but also provide customers to the over 1,000 participating farmers as well.
Fair Food Network will also use funds to pilot year-round programming, instead of seasonal, at various markets and grocery store locations.
Auday Arabo is available for interview .You can call him direct at 248.820.6411.
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About MIRA
MIRA is a Michigan-based Trade association representing thousands of independent retailers in Michigan and Ohio.
Media Contact: Vanessa Denha Garmo 248.830.8605/Vanessa@denhamedia.com or Kris Harris 248.702.8687/Kris@denhamedia.com