Nurture Nature Center

This Project Seeksincrease Consumption of Locally Grown Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Among Snap Beneficiaries in the Greater Lehigh Valley (GLV) Region Ofpennsylvania. the USDA'S Food Access Research Atlas Identifies More Than 20 Census Tracts in the GLV That Have Low-income Populations and Limited Access to Fresh Produce. the GLV'S Local Food System Is in a Unique Position to Address the Challenges of Fresh Food Insecurity by Establishing Alternate Retail Outlets, Such as Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, Farm Share Programs and Mobile Markets to Bring Fresh, Local Food Into Underserved Communities. This Project Will Also Work With Corner Store Owners to Source Local Produce and Offer Snap Incentives for Those Items.to Evaluate the PROJECT'S Impact, Snap Beneficiaries Will Be Surveyed and Egaged Throughout the Year to Determine Whether They Are Consuming More Fresh, Local Produce as a Result of Incentives and Outreach Efforts. Local Farmers and Other Retailers Will Also Be Surveyed Throughout the Project to Determine Whether Improvements Can Be Made in Transaction Processing, Etc. Comparing Year-to-year Data About the Number of Snap Customers, Whether They Are Repeat Customers and the Amount of Money They Are Spending at Snap Incentive Locations Will Also Provide Valuable Information About Whether the Program Is Successful in Encouraging Snap Beneficaires to Purchase and Consume More Fresh, Local Fruits and Vegetables.by Providing Snap Incentives at These Locations, Customers Are Able to Stretch Their Food Dollars Further, While at the Same Time Purchasing High-quality, Nutritious Produce and Creating a More Equitable Local Food System.this Project Will Benefit Low-income Residents and Other Community Members, Who Will Have Greater Access to Local Foods, Local Farms Who Have Additional Sales Opportunties, and the GLV as a Whole as More Money Spent on Local Food Stays in the Local Economy.