Working County by County to help Utahns Access Fruits and Vegetables

Everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food. Yet more than 160,000 Salt Lake County residents experience food insecurity, including nearly 49,000 children.

The Utah Double Up Food Bucks program, which has been in place for over a decade, helps close this gap. With 20 participating farmers markets and farm stands across Salt Lake County, families using SNAP receive $2 for fresh fruits and vegetables for every $1 they spend. That means $10 becomes $30 in total food purchasing power. Families are able to buy more nutritious food, and participating farmers receive the full value of every purchase. It’s a triple win for families, farmers and the local economy.

The American Heart Association is working to secure a $150,000 one-time appropriation from Salt Lake County to sustain the program, reach more families, and support local farmers. As food costs continue to strain household budgets, this investment gives families greater access to nutritious food while keeping more food dollars in the local economy.

County leaders have an opportunity to make this investment, and your voice is essential. Whether you’re interested in signing a letter, sharing your story, attending a meeting, or receiving campaign updates, there is a place for you in this effort. Email us and let us know how you’d like to get involved.

Our goal is to help build a longer healthier life for people and funding this program is a win for families, farmers, and the local economy. Thank you for being an advocate and all that you do. We will be in touch as our work continues on this issue with ways you can help.