An Oasis in the Food Desert

It was recently announced that after an 18-month application and approval process, local cooperative Crabtree Farms is the first farmer’s market in the state of Tennessee that can accept food stamps for purchases. Crabtree Farms felt it was important to accept food stamps because they wanted to increase the availability of fresh, locally grown foods for lower-income families who live in “food deserts” where they have fewer choices when it comes to buying their groceries. Food stamps can now be used to purchase fresh produce, seeds or culinary plants, enabling families to grow some of their own produce.

“This is very encouraging in that people, that otherwise could not afford to, can now buy vegetable or fruit plants to feed themselves at home.” —Sarah Malone, Development and Outreach Manager, Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga

Compare their approach with that of cities like San Jose, CA, which is currently weighing a proposal to create a moratorium on new fast food restaurants and designate “fast-food free” zones around schools. Understandably, citizens are concerned about rising childhood obesity rates. But you can’t—well, shouldn’t, in my opinion—legislate eating habits in a free country. Crabtree Farms’ decision to go through the red tape involved to participate in the EBT program is an admirable example of how local organizations can encourage healthier habits, simply by making previously inaccessible options available.

What’s your take?