Business & Economy
Farmers markets stretch food dollars for poor
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By ALEX MITCHELL
Capital News Service
LANSING—Michigan residents on food assistance are doubling their purchasing power at farmers markets in a program that encourages healthier eating while supporting farmers. The growing program is so successful that state officials expect it to expand even more next year. “For the first time, families are thinking of where the food is coming from and canning and freezing some food for the winter,” said Rachel Chadderdon, Double Up Food Bucks program manager. The program provides more healthy food to a state that is tenth in the nation in obesity. The rate among Michigan adults is 31 percent.