By Janet Cruz

Individuals using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, can now stretch their grocery dollars even further, thanks to Havasu Together’s Market Voucher Program.

“Any SNAP participant with an EBT card is eligible to receive $50 in food vouchers, available at the Havasu Together Market and local farmers markets,” said Havasu Together President, Regan Ross.

Havasu Together grocery bags. Photo Courtesy Regan Ross.

The vouchers are distributed as $10 in Double Up Bucks, $30 in Food Bucks Now, and $10 from the Farmers Market Relief Fund, which is supported by community donations.

Families can pick up their vouchers during farmers market hours or at the Havasu Together Market, open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the KAWS at 2144 McCulloch Blvd.

The new voucher program is called Food Bucks Now and it  provides $30 in credits to SNAP households that can be redeemed for SNAP-eligible food purchases at participating farmer’s markets, food stands, and community grocery stores for a temporary period.

According to the governor’s office website, on Friday, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that Arizonans who need SNAP assistance should start getting full benefits for November.

Arizonans on SNAP should have recieved full benefits last Friday, but some organizations like Havasu Together will still assist temporaily to help stretch family dollars.

“The program is rooted in a simple belief: everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food. We feel it is a human right,” Ross said.

“Through partnerships with Pinnacle Prevention and state and community programs, we’re able to make nutritious food more affordable for local families.”

Havasu Together and volunteers Photo courtesy Regan Ross

To keep the effort going, Havasu Together is seeking donations to fund more vouchers for families in need. Contributions can be made online or by mail.

“We’re so grateful for all of the donations we’ve received so far. Every dollar helps local families bring home healthy food,” Ross said.

For more information, visit https://doubleupaz.org/food-bucks-now/or to donate email havasutogether@gmail.com