"Double Up" to Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Nearly half (46%) of New Mexican children under age four rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eat. SNAP recipients – like all Americans – deserve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, low‐fat dairy products, whole grains, and other staple food.

Many New Mexicans, particularly those in lower‐income communities, live in areas where healthy food is not affordable, not fresh or simply not available. These factors can make it difficult to buy healthy foods, which is why Lowe’s grocery store has teamed up with the New Mexico Farmers Market Association to bring the Double Up Food Bucks program to select Lowe’s stores in New Mexico.

Under this program SNAP customers can double their dollars, and spend up to $25 each visit when shoppers to use their benefits to buy fresh, New Mexico-grown produce. During the Spring, Lowe’s customers can expect to shop for New Mexico-grown crops such as garlic, cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, pinto beans, and dried red chile. During Summer and Fall, the produce selection will expand to include New Mexico-grown tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, eggplant, squash, apples, melons, green chiles and more.

The American Heart Association strongly supports incentive programs, such as the expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks in grocery stores, as an approach to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all. Double Up Food Bucks is a national model for healthy food incentives active it nearly 20 states. Without access to healthy food, a nutritious diet and good health is out of reach for many.

Sign this petition to let lawmakers know that you support increasing state funding for incentive programs, such as Double Up Food Bucks, that such will expand access to fruits and vegetables.

For more information on the Double Up Food Bucks program CLICK HERE.