Value of food stamps doubled at Oklahoma farmers markets

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Supplemental food assistance recipients in Oklahoma can now double the value of up to $20 of benefits a day by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced details of the program on Tuesday for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. A pilot program launched in Tulsa a few years ago expanded statewide last week.

Designed to encourage SNAP recipients to eat healthier, the "Double Up Oklahoma" program is funded with grant money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Local farmers markets participating in the program include those in Guthrie, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Norman and Tulsa.

DHS reports an average of nearly 615,000 Oklahomans received SNAP benefits last year, mostly children, seniors and the disabled.

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The Gayly - 7/5/2016 @ 2:35 p.m. CDT