USDA Grants Support SNAP Programs in Valley
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help encourage participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan has announced.
The $498,880 grant stems from a proposal by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., “Eating for Health in the Mahoning Valley.” The funds will expand the Mercy Health Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program and help SNAP customers buy food at local farmers markets as part of a four-year program.
“I was proud that the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. was awarded this important funding to help bring nutritious and healthy food to Youngstown families in need,” Ryan, D-13 Ohio, said in a release. “SNAP is a program that works, and is deserving of more support. This funding will provide incentives for people to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and help provide farmers with a local market to sell their products. Healthy foods should be available to every one of our children, and I promise to continue to use my position to fight to ensure that we are not leaving anyone behind.”
The money is part of the USDA’s $16.8 million distribution to help SNAP participants nationwide. Funding comes from the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program and is operated by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
