More City Greenmarkets Accept Food Stamps
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More New Yorkers are now able to buy fresh produce thanks to an electronic system scanning food stamps at greenmarkets.
A shift from paper coupons to paperless cards in 2000 made many farmers' markets unable to accept food stamps. But in 2006, scanners were added to four greenmarkets in the city.
Because of the successful turnout, the City Council has increased the number of farmer's markets accepting food stamps.
"We're not only helping low-income New Yorkers eat healthy, we're also pumping money back into local area farmers," said Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Washington Heights greenmarket. "So we're helping build the local economy, help keep local farmers and their families employed, by making sure New Yorkers are getting fresh fruits and vegetables at quality low prices."
Now, 17 greenmarkets across the city now use scanners and accept food stamps. For a complete list, visit www.cenyc.org.