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Residents urge county support for ‘double bucks’ SNAP incentives at farmers markets
Summary
Two members of DownHome North CarolinaJohnson County chapter described how a SNAP incentive program called Double Bucks would expand low-income residentsaccess to fresh food and support local farmers; they asked the Board of Commissioners to consider funding for farmers-market vendors.
Crystal Britton and another member of DownHome North Carolinachapter told the Johnston County Board of Commissioners during public comment that they are campaigning to bring the Double Bucks SNAP incentive to local farmers markets so households using SNAP could get additional purchasing power for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Double Bucks, the speakers said, allows SNAP recipients to use a portion of their benefits at a participating farmers market and receive an equal supplemental amount to spend there. Crystal Britton said the program exists in other states and regions and that organizers held a kickoff event two weeks earlier at the Clayton Community Garden to promote the idea in Johnston County. She said DownHome hopes the county will provide funds to farmers markets or concessioners to implement the program at markets such as the Smithfield Community Garden site.
A second speaker described personal experience with food insecurity and said she had relied on SNAP to feed a family of three, receiving roughly $250 a month. She cited county-level figures discussed in her remarks: she said about 23,460 people (roughly 12% of the countypopulation) are food insecure and that local food-bank funding has declined. Both speakers urged the board to consider budget support for Double Bucks to stretch SNAP dollars and to support local farmers.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about where meetings and events have been held and where residents could learn more; the presenters said chapter meeting information is on DownHomeNorth Carolinaand local social media. The comments were part of the public-comment period and did not generate a board vote or formal directive during the meeting.
Why it matters: The presenters framed Double Bucks as a twofold benefit: increasing food access for low-income households and directing consumer dollars to local farmers and market vendors. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting; DownHome said it has requested a meeting with county staff and hopes to be considered for inclusion in the county budget.
Next steps: DownHome said it will provide data specific to Johnston County and is awaiting a response to a meeting request with county staff and commissioners.
