Year round access to affordable, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables just got easier in the North Country, thanks to Granite State Market Match. Late last fall, the NH Nutrition Incentive Network launched their first retail location by offering the Granite State Market Match (GSMM) produce incentives at Littleton Coop in Grafton County. Partnering with Wholesome Wave, NH Food Bank and UNH Cooperative Extension, the Littleton Coop is making a major difference with retail incentive programming and helping SNAP customers eat healthier on a limited budget.
As one customer shares, “it has been a struggle to fulfill the need for fresh produce on a shoe string budget. Words can not express my gratitude for the Market Match program that is now provided to SNAP customers like me. It has really changed my life in such a positive way, allowing me to continue to make organic, healthy, fresh foods from scratch for my four year old and of course the rest of my family.”
After only three months, the Littleton Coop team has exceeded expectations – on average, SNAP customers are spending more than double on produce.
Granite State Market Match redemptions jumped from $450 to $1045 and continue to climb!
One way that UNH Cooperative Extension supports this project is to provide education and outreach about GSMM through the Cooking Matters at the Store Tour™. Extension Field Specialist Heidi Barker, who also serves as the North Country Regional Lead for GSMM, has been working closely with Littleton Coop staff to offer this program to income eligible participants throughout the region. Participants learn how to make healthier food choices at the grocery store, read labels and participate in a $10 shopping challenge event.
For more information about Granite State Market Match in the North Country contact Heidi Barker at the Coos County Office.
