6 Fresh Deals
For struggling families in Philadelphia, fruits and vegetables can be tough to afford. Many families will buy cheaper, processed foods, even if they lack nutritional value.
Here's a guide to six programs that can help Philadelphia families stretch their food budgets and put nutritious food on their tables:
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Double Dollars, Fair Food
Who Qualifies: SNAP (food stamp) participants
Where: Fair Food Farmstand, Reading Terminal Market (12th and Arch Streets)
The Deal: Spend $5 in SNAP benefits at the Fair Food Farmstand. Get a $5 Double Dollars coupon to spend on more fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy and other local products.
Note: Participants can receive up to $10 in Double Dollars a week.
Contact: Fair Food, 215-386-5211, shivon@fairfoodphilly.org
Philly Food Bucks, The Food Trust
Who Qualifies: SNAP participants
Where: 25 farmers' markets in Philadelphia
The Deal: Spend $5 in SNAP benefits. Get a $2 Philly Food Bucks coupon to buy more local fruits and veggies.
Note: Most farmers’ markets open in May. Before visiting, confirm your market’s days and hours.
Contact: The Food Trust, 215-575-0444, contact@thefoodtrust.org
Farm to Families Food Share, St. Christopher's Foundation for Children
Who Qualifies: Families living, working and worshiping in North Philadelphia
Where: Weekly pickups at multiple locations in Eastern North Philadelphia
The Deal: Pick up a box of healthy, farm fresh produce for either $10 or $15 with retail values ranging from $20-$30. Eggs, meat, fish and other items are also available.
Note: Accepts Access Cards (SNAP), cash and credit cards. Orders must be placed one week in advance.
Locations and Contacts: (Comunity Partnership School) 215-235-0461, F2F@CPSPhilly.org; (The Lighthouse, Inc) 215-425-7800; faro@lighthse.net; (New Kensington CDC) 215-427-0350 x110, f2f@nkcdc.org; (Norris Square Neighborhood Project) 215-634-2227, food@myneighborhoodproject.org; (St. Christopher's Hospital for Children) 215-427-3052, SH662@drexelmed.edu; (St. Philip's United Methodist Church) 215-627-5550 x207, f2f@wcrpphila.com.
SHARE Packages, SHARE Food Program
Who Qualifies: Anyone willing to volunteer two hours in their community
Where: SHARE (2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia 19129) and multiple host sites throughout the city
The Deal: Get $15 to $20 packages of farm fresh fruits and veggies valued at nearly twice that amount in exchange for two hours of volunteer time. Depending on the season, packages could include asparagus, rhubarb, cabbage, spinach, swiss chard and more.
Note: Accepts Access Cards (SNAP) and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks.
Contact: SHARE, 215-223-2220
Fresh for All, Philabundance
Who Qualifies: Anyone
Where: Multiple locations throughout the five-county Philadelphia region
The Deal: Pick up free fruits and vegetables distributed weekly in low-income communities.
Note: To receive produce, potential members are asked for basic household information.
Contact: Philabundance, 800-319-3663
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), U.S. Department of Agriculture
Who Qualifies: Eligible participants in the federal WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program) and qualifying low-income seniors
Where: Most farmers' markets in Philadelphia
The Deal: Every summer, eligible WIC participants and qualifying seniors can receive $20 in FMNP checks to buy fruits and vegetables at Philadelphia farmers' markets.
Note: Checks are distributed starting in June/July. They must be redeemed by Nov. 30.
Contact: Eligible WIC participants can contact their WIC office. Qualifying seniors can contact the Philadelphia Corp. for Aging, 215-765-9040.