SNAP program offers fruit, vegetable savings

SNAP and EBT recipients can save on fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables by participating in a SNAP Produce Match program, which is available all year round at all three Safeway stores in Longview.

When shoppers spend at least $10 on those items, they receive an additional $5 coupon for their next visit. Starting in June, Safeway will match that $5. The last day of the Safeway match has not been announced.

“It’s a good time to utilize this program,” Heather Odom, a Healthy Community Specialist for Wahkiakum Health and Human Services said. “We’re trying to get people to eat healthier, so we want to utilize these programs. They can double their money at this time.”

The fruit and vegetables must not contain added salt, sugar, or fat, and the benefit can be used for online shopping as well.

Wahkiakum on the Move already has a regularly scheduled stop at Fred Meyer, but drivers are willing to make an extra stop at Safeway for riders who want to take advantage of the program.

“It’s a pretty simple program, but it is worth their time if they are interested in getting fresh produce and more for their dollar,” Odom said.

For more information on the program and participating stores, go to https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/nutrition-and-physical-activity/healthy-eating/snap-match-programs/snap-produce-match.