By Stephanie Hoff
Federal legislators continue to discuss changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Rudolph area farmer Carl Flaig has felt the positive impact of SNAP dollars on the clients he serves at the Dane County Farmers’ Market and elsewhere.
Flaig Family Farm features an aquaponics system and cattle ranch that brings fresh produce, fish filets, and beef year-round to Wisconsin consumers, restaurants, and retailers. Flaig says it’s a major asset that SNAP recipients can purchase food from farmers’ market vendors.
At the Dane County Farmers’ Market, for example, SNAP recipients can redeem their SNAP dollars for tokens to use with vendors. Flaig says it’s been beneficial for farmers like himself, bringing additional revenue to the market and stimulating the rural economy.
“It’s put thousands and thousands of dollars into the farmers markets here in Dane County and back home in Wausau and Stevens Point. It’s a very important program,” he says. “I just spent three days in Washington, D.C., campaigning with the Farmers Union. It’s very important what we stress: in the Farm Bill, we need a strong nutrition program.”
