San Antonio’s Double Up Food Bucks Program Saves Families Money on Fresh Produce
Boosting Local Economies – How USDA-funded Discounts at Chicho Boys Fruit Market Help Community Health
According to the San Antonio Report, in San Antonio, the Double Up Food Bucks program helps people like Venessa Garcia save money on groceries at Chicho Boys Fruit Market. By using SNAP benefits, she cut her produce bill by over $50, thanks to a 50% discount funded by the USDA. This initiative aims to make healthy fruits and vegetables more affordable without needing people to sign up or ask cashiers for discounts. Since its launch, it has boosted sales for stores and supported local farmers.
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San Antonio’s Efforts to Expand Food Access Navigate Challenges in Retail Expansion
Led by community efforts and partnerships with Metro Health and the Sustainable Food Center, San Antonio’s Double Up Food Bucks program tackles high poverty and food insecurity rates affecting 17.6% of residents. Officials are assessing how well the Double Up Food Bucks program works and considering expanding it to more stores through the Healthy Corner Stores network. However, there are challenges in expanding to larger retailers like H-E-B and Walmart, as efforts continue to develop a comprehensive plan to improve food access citywide by 2030 through initiatives like the Urban Farm Pilot Project.