The closure of dozens of local grocery stores in recent years is increasing the number & size of food deserts across the Adirondacks and New York State where families, especially food stamp recipients, face challenges finding fresh, nutritious, locally grown food. Food hubs are trying to help, and Hub on the Hill, in Essex County, is the first food hub in the nation to accept SNAP payments, now, through their online grocery store. Producer Michael Hansen tells us how the move will help many of the people who need that food the most.
During the pandemic, the Hub on the Hill partnered with ADK Action to deliver thousands of Emergency Food Packages to families in need while also supporting local farmers across the region.
That project has now grown into farm fresh packages full of healthy, locally grown food being sold at the Hub on the Hill’s farm store in Essex, and now even delivered right to the doorsteps of many of those families. SNAP recipients can now use their EBT card to buy those food packages right online.