Massachusetts farmers bracing for revenue losses due to cuts in fresh produce SNAP benefits

(WWLP) – Massachusetts farmers say they`re bracing for revenue losses due to cuts in fresh produce SNAP benefits.

Many are expressing their concerns and advocating for the program to be fully funded again. They argue that it lets SNAP recipients buy fresh produce from farmers many of whom specialize in serving low-income families.

Starting December 1, families who utilize the state`s 'Healthy Incentives Program' to buy food directly from farmers will see their benefits cut to just $20 a month, regardless of household size. Rebecca Miller with the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative says many farmers have structured their operations around these customers.

"We've directly heard from some families that they won't be able to provide for their kids. As we know $20 does not go very far," said Miller.

With the looming reduction, farmers throughout the area are worried about the potential impacts it will have on their business. The co-owner of Red Fire Farm in Granby, Ryan Voiland says it'll create a dent in their winter market sales, potentially resulting in a 50 percent reduction. They say this would leave them with an excess of 360 thousand pounds of produce in storage and uncertainty about where to sell it.

"We already cut positions and hours significantly and we're going to have to maybe even have to cut harder, and that means we don't know if it'll be worth planting a lot of crops for next year so we might not plan to grow very much," said Voiland.

State officials say cuts are needed because of budget constraints. But with these anticipated cuts and to keep the program benefit at its current funding levels, advocates say another $10 million is needed for the rest of the fiscal year within the supplemental budget.

"It's huge money for the people who need the food, and the vendors, and the farmers who are providing it, and so you know I'm hoping we can path forward here," said Senator Jo Comerford.

Advocates are asking Governor Maura Healey for additional funds in the budget to help limit the anticipated cuts.

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