SNAP now accepted by Tapestry Farms

Urban farm specialist Chantal Maombi holds freshly harvested eggplant and peppers.

As Tapestry Farms works to expand access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to refugee and other families who live with limited resources in the Quad Cities, we are excited to announce that customers may now purchase our produce through SNAP, also known as food stamps.

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the federal program that supports families who have income at or below certain limits. SNAP cards can be used in a variety of ways, most commonly in grocery stores. Families can also purchase fresh produce from local farmers who offer what are called CSA shares. In the case of Tapestry Farms, a share is half-bushel boxes of produce delivered to families throughout the growing season.

Many Tapestry Farms families qualify for SNAP benefits.

“One of the most important aspects of resettling well in a new country is for refugee families to have access to fresh produce that is not only familiar, but loved,” said Ann McGlynn, executive director of Tapestry Farms. “For example, intoryi and lenga-lenga are two vegetables that grow well in the Quad Cities region that also grow in east and central Africa. They are nutritious foods that are hard to find in stores.

“Our organization being a part of the SNAP program gives families the self-determined opportunity to choose to purchase locally grown vegetables and fruit from Tapestry Farms, while also supporting former refugees who work at our farms. Healthy home-cooked meals are often preferred by refugee families, processed foods and eating out are not - that is where locally grown produce paid for by SNAP benefits is a real benefit.”

In Iowa, approximately 10 percent of people receive SNAP benefits, 53 percent are in working families, with an average benefit of $121 per month and a total of $429 million statewide in 2019. In Illinois, approximately 14 percent receive SNAP, 45 percent are in working families, with an average benefit of $135 per person and a total of $2.65 billion statewide in 2019.

Tapestry Farms will begin accepting SNAP benefits for the 2022 growing season.