SNAP Now Accepting at Some Farmer’s Markets…

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves more than 485,000 Coloradans each month. Jefferson County Public Health is leading a food security project allowing recipients of SNAP to redeem their benefits at farmer’s markets through the fall of 2017. The project has been a huge success at the Arvada Farmer’s Market in Olde Town Arvada, where over $300 in SNAP benefits were redeemed this summer!

JCPH also partners with LiveWell, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting obesity by increasing access to healthy food and physical activity. The collaboration helps promote the Double Up Colorado program to farmers’ market managers. SNAP clients purchases are matched with a voucher worth up to $20 per visit to put toward Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables. Double Up Colorado increases the amount of food that recipients of SNAP can purchase in an effort to encourage them to eat healthier. Arvada’s Farmer’s Market and more farmer’s markets are applying for Double Up Colorado Funding for the 2017 season.

Next year, the 40 West Farmer’s Market at Colfax and Pierce will also begin accepting SNAP. JCPH hopes to continue to increase food access throughout our county and to spread the message that farmers’ markets are for everyone! To get involved, join Food Policy Council is to influence policy to increase equitable access to healthy, local and affordable food and support a sustainable community food system.

The Weight of the Nation

Public Health encourages Jefferson County residents to watch the HBO documentary, “The Weight of the Nation.” The four-hour, four-part documentary gives the nation’s obesity crisis a face and sounds an alarm that is difficult to ignore. Obesity affects 36% of American adults and 17% of American children and leads to multiple negative health consequences. “To win,” says the series’ subtitle, “we have to lose.”

It is time to put knowledge into action. Here are some tips for encouraging healthy eating habits, also check out some other educational handouts about healthy eating under “N” for nutrition on our educational handout page.

Livewell Colorado is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing obesity in Colorado by promoting healthy eating and active living. In addition to educating and inspiring people to make healthy choices, LiveWell Colorado focuses on policy, environmental and lifestyle changes that remove barriers and increase access to healthy behaviors. Check out the LiveWell Colorado web site and join the movement. The City of Wheat Ridge is one of the LiveWell Colorado communities. Check out some of the exciting work being done to transform 38th Avenue into a Safer, Pedestrian/Bicyclist-Friendly, Vibrant Main Street.