To the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
I am writing to express my strong support for Produce Perks Midwest and to respectfully urge the USDA to reconsider the recent termination of their GusNIP award.
For nine years, the Produce Perks program has played a vital role in improving the health of Ohio families by making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable. At the same time, it has helped strengthen the livelihoods of Ohio farmers and supported the vibrancy of farmers’ markets and small retailers across the state.
Produce Perks helps ensure that families with limited food budgets can make healthier choices. These better choices lead to better long-term outcomes for individuals and communities. With every dollar matched through the program, families are not only buying more fresh produce, but are doing so from local farmers, keeping more food dollars circulating in Ohio’s communities. For every Produce Perks dollar spent, $2.7-$3 circulates within local economies. In 2024 alone, Produce Perks generated $3.6 million of economic impact in local Ohio economies. Produce Perks proudly operates at over 140 locations, including farmers markets, and grocery-retailers. This work increases sales for over 670 Ohio farmers and is available to over 1 million Ohio SNAP shoppers. Since 2017, we have generated over $17.6 million dollars of healthy food purchases.
In short, Produce Perks supports:
-Healthy families by expanding access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables
-Thriving farmers by bringing new customers and increased sales
-Stronger communities by investing food dollars close to home
The decision to end this funding puts all of that progress at risk. I urge you to support Produce Perks Midwest’s appeal and allow this trusted and impactful program to continue doing what it does best: connecting Ohioans to local, healthy food and creating a win-win-win for families, farmers, and the communities they live in.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.