Dorey Park Farmers Market program debuts 'Little SNAPs' program, concert series
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The Dorey Park Farmers Market launched into a fresh fifth season last Saturday with the introduction of its Little SNAPS initiative and Second Saturdays concert series.
To uphold its mission of providing Henrico citizens with fresh and high-quality produce, DPFM extended its existing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) match program to include Little SNAPS, a program through which SNAP families with children can receive up to an additional $20 to spend on produce at the market.
For example, with DPFM’s existing SNAP match program, a family could redeem $50 worth of SNAP benefits and receive an additional $50 in SNAP match for a total of $100 to spend at DPFM. With the Little SNAPS program, SNAP families with one child can receive an extra $10 and families with two or more children can receive an extra $20 to buy produce.
“It's a really good program for everybody because the farmers are getting paid, we're keeping money into that part of the market,” member of the DPFM advisory board John Montgomery said. “But also, people who are shopping there are getting a lot of value for their SNAP benefits.”
SNAP offers eligible households financial assistance to supplement their budget for food.
Unlike SNAP MATCH, Little SNAPS is fully funded by money DPFM raises from alcohol sales at the new Second Saturday Concert series, Montgomery said.
Gates for the concerts open at 6 p.m. with music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at DPFM on the second Saturday of every month through October. There will be food trucks as well as beer and wine sales, admission is also free and open to the public.
Whether people come to shop for produce or enjoy the fun activities with their friends and family, DPFM is a true community gathering, Montgomery said.
“We, meaning the farming community, really appreciate when people come out and support both the market and Second Saturdays. It’s a fun opportunity to do something with your neighbors,” Montgomery said. “We really just see it as a place for the community to be together and grow.”
