Ag Commissioner Gipson Announces Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program

JACKSON, Miss. – Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is accepting grant proposals from qualified nonprofits to implement projects through the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program. The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to increase the purchasing power of Mississippi residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farmers by providing matching dollar incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits redeemed at farmers markets and retailers.

“The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers. This program provides increased access to fresh, nutritious produce for residents that need it the most while expanding marketing opportunities for our local farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson.

Qualified nonprofits are invited to submit grant proposals seeking funding to implement projects that provide incentives for Mississippi residents using SNAP benefits to double the purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers. Funding available this cycle is $360,000. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record or experience with coordinating a statewide network of SNAP incentive programs and leveraging resources to address food insecurity in underserved communities.

The submission deadline is January 31, 2023. Visit MDAC’s website at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/1011.pdf to learn more about the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program.

MageeNews.com is a news source covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.