One of the significant challenges faced by individuals living on a limited income is the high cost of nutritious food. Fresh fruits and vegetables often come with a higher price tag compared to processed and packaged options, forcing many to opt for cheaper alternatives to make ends meet. Research supports this reality; a study conducted by Harvard and Brown universities in 2013 revealed that maintaining a healthy diet could cost families an extra $550 annually per person, a hefty amount for those struggling financially.
The unfortunate result of this situation is that many low-income families are left with unhealthy diets, which can lead to various health problems and chronic diseases—issues no one should face due to their economic status. The study’s authors noted, “For many low-income families, this additional cost represents a genuine barrier to healthier eating.” They emphasized that the financial implications of diet-related health issues far outweigh the daily cost differences between healthy and unhealthy food options.
However, there is hope. Government-sponsored initiatives are emerging to help low-income families access healthier food choices. One such program, highlighted by NPR, is called Más Fresco, which translates to “Fresher” in English. This initiative incentivizes SNAP (food stamp) recipients to purchase fresh produce by offering them a dollar-for-dollar match for every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables. Participants can earn up to $40 in additional funds, depending on their enrollment tier, which can only be used for purchasing more fresh produce.
Administered by the University of California, San Diego, Más Fresco is funded by a generous $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Similar initiatives have also been launched in states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Georgia. Joe Prickitt, a dietitian at UCSD and a senior director of Más Fresco, stated, “We know food insecurity and, unfortunately, chronic disease go hand in hand.” He pointed out the significant barrier that costs present for SNAP participants, who often find fruits and vegetables to be prohibitively expensive.
How It Works
Here’s how it works: Whenever a participant spends a dollar on eligible fresh produce, they receive a matching dollar amount to spend exclusively on more fruits and vegetables. The program has three tiers, with limits of $10, $20, or $40 for the matching funds. To determine the most effective reward amounts for improving dietary habits, researchers assigned different levels randomly.
Since its launch in February 2017, Más Fresco has enrolled 1,153 participants, who, on average, receive about $329 per month in SNAP benefits. Most participants belong to families of five or six, with a significant majority (90%) identifying as Latinx. However, the program is open to anyone meeting specific criteria and shopping at designated stores, such as Northgate Gonzalez Markets in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. In addition to the financial incentives, the program offers ongoing discounts on produce, in-store educational programs, and healthy cooking classes.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. One participant, Maria Torres, remarked, “My family loves trying new vegetables now that I can afford them.” With the recent expansion of the program, an additional 2,000 individuals will be able to benefit from these incentives over the next year.
It’s crucial that low-income families have access to healthy food options without having to choose between sufficient nutrition and affordability. Programs like Más Fresco are essential and should be implemented in various communities nationwide to ensure everyone can enjoy a healthy diet.
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In summary, the Más Fresco program is a significant step towards making fresh produce more affordable for SNAP recipients, helping families lead healthier lives without the burden of high costs.
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