Place-based economic development: examining the relationship between the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and farmers markets in Mississippi

Abstract

Placed-based development theory assumes that assets and liabilities within a geographical context matter for community development. Drawing on this framework, this article argues that the United States Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers markets is an underutilized asset for community development. Therefore, community developers should explore this asset to better develop sustainable farmers markets. The authors utilized the US National Farmers Market Directory and the SNAP Data System to determine if SNAP beneficiaries had access to use Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) cards at farmers markets in Mississippi. The findings indicate that SNAP accessibility at farmers markets remains an underutilized resource for capturing consumer spending and capitalizing on the local multiplier effect. The authors recommend that policy-makers and community developers enact and implement public policies that will: (1) assist farmers and farmers markets with enhancing SNAP accessibility by installing EBT card readers, (2) establish local coordination that will assist in supporting the utilization of SNAP benefits at farmers markets, and (3) incentivize SNAP beneficiaries to shop at local farmers markets by initiating “matching dollar” programs.

Keywords:

• place-based economic development
• farmers markets
• local food systems
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Notes

1. The USDA National Farmers Market Directory, maintained by Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS), is designed to provide members of the public with convenient access to information about US farmers market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, and accepted forms of payment. Market information included in the Directory is voluntary and self-reported to AMS by market managers, representatives from State farmers market agencies and associations, and other key market personnel. It was released 08/13. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FARMERSMARKETS.

2. This data-set provides time series data on state- and county-level estimates of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation and benefit levels, combined with area estimates of total population, the number of persons in poverty, and selected sociodemographic characteristics of the population. All data, except program benefit amounts, are for a selected point in time each year; program benefit levels are total benefits issued over the course of a calendar year. The most recent year of full data availability is 2012 for state-level SNAP participation and benefits, 2010 for county-level SNAP participation, and 2010 for county-level SNAP benefits. More recent information for SNAP participation and benefits is available for selected counties. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-(snap)-data-system.aspx#.UjoP-9JwqSo.

3. According to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, there are 36 certified farmers markets in the state. The Mississippi Certified Farmers Market program is a voluntary branding program, created and administered by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to promote and identify a market place for Mississippi-grown fruits, vegetables, plant materials, and other products made and/or processed in the state. http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/departments/ms_farmers_market/certified-markets.htm.