[Marxism] Aid Program Supports Needy, Boosts Farmers - washingtonpost.com

[sabocat59 at mac.com]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052502144.html

Attracting low-income families to farmers markets is the goal of the Wholesome Wave Foundation, which provided a $10,000 grant to the Holyoke market and funds to markets in California and Connecticut. The foundation's pitch: Doubling food assistance money helps needy families afford fresh fruits and vegetables and eat more healthfully, and the money they spend goes to another struggling x population: small farmers. Moreover, studies show that the food stamp program (recently renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) and similar forms of aid are among the most effective ways to stimulate the slumping economy, creating $1.73 worth of economic activity for every dollar spent.  This year, the organization will help fund similar programs in Georgia, Michigan, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and the District.  "Our goal is to prove to the federal government that matching works," said Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave's chief executive and the executive chef at Dressing Room restaurant in Westport, Conn. "By implementing these programs, a single dollar of stimulus impacts nutrition, helps farmers, stimulates the economy and provides a direct investment in reducing health-care costs."  Public-health advocates have long wanted to link food assistance to good nutrition. But the anti-hunger lobby objects, arguing that forcing recipients to buy only healthful products is impractical -- does SunnyD qualify? -- and smacks of paternalism. Incentives, proponents say, make the argument moot by encouraging, not requiring, families to choose healthful fruits and vegetables.  "The idea of doubling your money really resonates," said Daniel Ross, executive director of Nuestras Raices, a grass-roots community development group that helped administer the Holyoke matching program. "We've found in all our research that low-income people know what healthy food is, but because of price, they can't afford it. This helps them get the food they really want for their families."  
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