SPRINGFIELD — About once a month, in the corner of The Farmers Market at Forest Park, Springfield Partners for Community Action Director of Community Services Tabitha Desplaines offers information to passerby about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the United States Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Transitional Assistance.
“I don’t know that people realize that fresh vegetables are available through SNAP,” Desplaines said. While the most common retailers that accept SNAP are grocery stores, some farmers market vendors also accept it. Moreover, through the Healthy Incentives Program, SNAP money spent on produce purchased from a farmers market vendor will be refunded to the account, Desplaines said.
Desplaines said people often assume they are not eligible for SNAP, but Springfield Partners for Community Action can help applicants identify factors that may increase their eligibility.
In addition to assistance with SNAP applications, Springfield Partners for Community Action also helps people with digital literacy, veterans’ programs, financial literacy and income tax assistance. It also offers energy audits and upgrades, housing counseling through the. Department of Housing and Urban Development and classes for first-time homebuyers.
“Whatever we can do to help,” Desplaines said.
To set up an appointment for help applying or recertifying for SNAP benefits, call 413-263-6500, and select option 8.
