by Cari Berlin, DUO Senior Program Specialist
As every parent feeding a child knows, food prices are rising at historic rates.
In 2022, the price of grocery store or supermarket food purchases increased by 11.4 percent, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Food prices are expected to grow more slowly in 2023, but still at above-historical rates. In 2023, grocery prices are predicted to increase 7.8 percent.
While food prices increase, SNAP benefits, which increased due to emergency allotments, will soon be returning to pre-pandemic levels. With higher food prices and fewer dollars to spend, families will find it increasingly difficult to keep nutritious food on the table.
Relief may come from an unexpected place, your local farmers market! Many farmers markets now accept SNAP benefits and offer Double Up Oklahoma (DUO). The Double Up Oklahoma program, managed by Hunger Free Oklahoma, helps SNAP participants extend their food budget to buy fresh fruits and vegetables by doubling their benefits. SNAP customers can get a dollar-for-dollar match to purchase additional fruits and vegetables at the market, up to $20 per day.
As the season for farmers markets begins, Hunger Free Oklahoma has added six new market partners to the Double Up Oklahoma program, joining 15 returning markets from across the state:
- In urban areas such as Oklahoma City, new partners OKC Farmers Public Market and Eastside Fresh Market will join Scissortail Park Farmers Market in offering DUO benefits this season.
- The Rose District Farmers Market will bring DUO to Broken Arrow this year.
- And customers using SNAP benefits will now be able to participate in DUO in the communities of Harrah, Quapaw, and Wellston.
On a recent beautiful spring Saturday, the Farmers Market at Scissortail Park kicked off their season with more than 60 “made-in-Oklahoma” and “grown-in-Oklahoma” vendors. The atmosphere was energetic with live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. Among the Double Up Oklahoma vendors was Mauch Family Farm. Stacey Mauch paused between customers to talk about her experience. “We aren’t new to farmers markets, but this is the first season we are participating in Double Up Oklahoma, and we’re excited to be part of the program!”
Just a few miles away, the historic OKC Farmers Public Market was serving an overflow crowd. This season is the first time the market has offered DUO. Market manager Jody McAnally said, “From the OKC Farmers Market’s standpoint, it’s an honor to be able to provide this additional service to the public. What a gift to SNAP users to be able to stretch their dollar even further with DUO.” Lina, a customer at the market, was also enthusiastic about the addition of DUO. “It’s a blessing to use DUO because food prices have risen so much. I love shopping at the OKC Farmers Market because I am able to find a great selection of fresh vegetables. They taste so much better than any store-bought veggies.”
DUO is available at farmers markets and grocery stores across Oklahoma. To learn more about the program and find a location closest to you visit our website.
Pictured below left to right: Lonna Asher, William Mauch, and Stacey Mauch – Mauch Family Farm
