Checks like this, payable to participating farmers market vendors, are available to SNAP, WIC and Medicaid participants through a District of Columbia program. (Jerry Hagstrom)

The District of Columbia government has become the first local government in the nation to use local tax dollars to provide money for low-income people to buy produce at farmers markets, according to officials with DC Greens, a group that is distributing the checks.

From left, Lauren Espy, Andrew Bostjancic and Lillie Rosen of DC Greens distributed Produce Plus checks at the USDA Farmers' Market opening on Friday. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)

The DC City Council recently allocated $130,000 for a “Produce Plus” program intended to create a bigger market for farmers in the region, as well as improving health and nutrition.

The program is open to those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), or Medicaid.

Eligible people can pick up checks worth up to $10 per week to buy fresh local fruits and vegetables, DC Greens food access director Lillie Rosen said at the Agriculture Department’s Farmers Market opening Friday.

The checks are payable to participating vendors at Washington’s 37 farmers markets.

The program will last until the $130,000 is spent, Rosen said, adding that “hopefully the city will give more money” when it runs out.

About 60 people took advantage of the program in its first two days, she said.

All an individual has to do is show up and show proof of receiving SNAP, WIC or Medicaid benefits, Rosen said, adding that unlike some other fruit and vegetable programs, Produce Plus requires no matching funds from the individual or another program.

DC Greens encourages school gardens and other efforts to connect Washington residents with healthier foods and local farmers, she said.

▪ DC Greens