To the editor:

In recent budget talks, the Minnesota Senate ended up cutting the Market Bucks program, which costs $325,000 per year. For those of you who don’t know, the Market Bucks program helps SNAP customers stretch their dollars at the farmer’s market making healthy food more affordable. It allows struggling families to buy fresh produce and also helps local farmers. It is a win-win.

Studies have shown that every dollar spent on the program pumps $3 back into the economy. And with funds on the way from a federal grant, chopping this program makes zero sense. And the impact is huge; the loss to local farmers and local economies is projected to be around one million dollars.

This is an issue that everyone can support. Market Bucks have helped significantly increase Minnesota farmer’s market sales. Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, local food. Cutting Market Bucks is an incredibly short sighted move by the Minnesota Senate.

Ben Walker

Marshall