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Program Offers Food Stamp Recipients More At NM Farmers' Markets

Food stamp recipients now get double their money at New Mexico farmers' markets.

People who belong to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, can scan $20 from their benefits cards at participating markets to get another $20 in spending.

According to the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association, the USDA awarded $100,000 for the program last month.

State lawmakers appropriated $400,000 toward the program last week.

Organizers of the Rail Yards Market in downtown Albuquerque, one of 30 participating markets statewide, say the program has been successful.

Rail Yards marketing coordinator Alex Paramo says people have spent between $3,000 and $4,000 on fresh, local produce.

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Information from: KOB-TV.

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