KING CITY — Aspire Well being, in shut collaboration with Blue Zones Challenge Monterey County, has introduced the growth of the Double Up Meals Bucks (DUFB) program to South Monterey County.
Launched in November 2023 on the La Princesa Markets on Williams Street and East Alisal Avenue in Salinas, the Double Up Meals Bucks program is now out there to South Monterey County residents at La Princesa Markets on El Camino Actual in Greenfield and on Broadway Avenue in King Metropolis.
“We’re thrilled to carry the Double Up Meals Bucks program to Greenfield and King Metropolis, extending its advantages to residents in South County,” stated Dalila Alvarado, Meals Setting Lead at Blue Zones Challenge Monterey County.
By the DUFB program, CalFresh recipients can take pleasure in vital financial savings on California-grown vegetables and fruit.
When utilizing their CalFresh/EBT card at collaborating grocery shops in Monterey County, clients obtain an immediate 50% low cost on their purchases of California-grown produce, as much as $15 per day. As an illustration, if an eligible shopper spends $30 on California vegetables and fruit, they are going to solely pay $15, successfully doubling the worth of their profit.
This initiative is funded by the California Vitamin Incentive Program (CNIP) on the California Division of Meals and Agriculture. CNIP encourages the acquisition and consumption of wholesome, California-grown recent vegetables and fruit, and supplies financial incentives for CalFresh clients.
Greater than $1 million has been awarded to help this system in Monterey County. Double Up Meals Bucks goals to supply a much-needed enhance to low-income households, native growers and impartial grocery shops by providing a 50% low cost on California-grown produce for CalFresh customers.
“As stretching a greenback will get tougher for our households, CNIP is making a significant impression for the households of the Salinas Valley and past,” stated Chris Lopez, Monterey County supervisor. “The individuals who make the Salinas Valley dwelling play a crucial position in placing nutritious meals on tables throughout our nation, this program permits them to place just a little extra on their very own.”
DUFB is a nationally acknowledged diet incentive mannequin that was initiated by the Truthful Meals Community in 2009. Aspire Well being and Blue Zones Challenge Monterey County are proud to carry this impactful program to Monterey County, and each organizations are supported by Salinas Valley Well being and Montage Well being to make a optimistic impression on the county’s well being and well-being.
Double Up Meals Bucks program companions and native officers celebrated the growth of the diet incentive program to South Monterey County residents throughout an official launch April 10 at La Princesa Market in Greenfield. Attendees had the chance to go to cubicles hosted by native organizations and ask questions on the Salinas Valley Well being cell clinic.
“To a household, what issues is the checkout, that final quantity that’s popping out of their pocket. This program is decreasing these prices making this meals accessible,” stated Lopez, in his speech as one of many occasion’s visitor audio system. “And after we dwell in a spot like we do right now, right here in California, the place we’re producing these meals, to provide our households entry to much more of that wholesome meals and alternative, that’s the place the magic occurs.” Lastly, he added, “Collectively, we carry change.”
This progressive program serves a triple win by:
- Supporting low-income households: DUFB makes it simpler for low-income households to entry more healthy meals choices, thereby enhancing meals safety and total well being standing.
- Boosting native independently-owned grocery shops: By incentivizing the acquisition of California-grown produce, this system enhances gross sales for impartial grocery shops collaborating within the initiative.
- Supporting native growers: The elevated demand for locally-sourced merchandise advantages native growers, bolstering livelihoods of employees and contributing to the expansion of the neighborhood.
“The Double Up program is a triple win for our neighborhood,” stated Yasmine Elsherbini, Director of Well being Promotion and Wellness, Aspire Well being. “It makes wholesome meals extra reasonably priced for low-income households and people, it helps financial growth by independently owned grocery shops and it will increase demand for California-grown produce.”
For extra details about the Double Up Meals Bucks program, go to doubleupca.org.