SIXTEEN MILLION CHILDREN, let us repeat that, SIXTEEN MILLION CHILDREN go to sleep hungry at night IN AMERICA every night. PFW has worked with many organizations and has added grant dollars to their awards to ensure that food security could be part of their program(s). PFW has provided grant awards to help establish a Garden Project at a Public School; given seed money to create a Community Garden; helped to provide healthful snacks at a neighborhood Settlement House or at other After-School or Summer programs in Central Ohio. We have given grants to organizations which have asked their patrons not only to buy tickets to their events but to also bring canned goods as part of the admission price. Please see our website regarding the number of grants we have given in 2013 that incorporate the idea that HEALTH IS WEALTH.
PFW has given a specific grant to the Pearl Market which is operated by the downtown development SID Public Services Association. This is to help fill the gap and get more farm-direct produce to all visitors to the Market. The SID will also use specific marketing tools to reach the 39% of downtown residents east of the market and 37% of residents west of the market who are living below 100% of the federal poverty level. This is important as the Market will be offering SNAP/EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance- Electronic Benefits Transfer) wireless services to qualified consumers. WHAT? SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest food safety net program in America. The Downtown SID will offer an incentive program to SNAP/EBT card users to help pay for a doubling of redemptions, meaning that $1.00 will be worth $2.00. This is a benefit to the shopper who by coming to the Pearl Market will have greater access to fresh vegetables, fruits, and it will give the farmers extra income. And that means we are improving the environment, keeping local farmers growing and coming to market, and adding to a stronger local economy as more consumers are connecting with local growers and the dollars are not going out of the community to box stores and chains. Pearl Market offers unmatched transportation accessibility whether by car, bike, bus, or on foot. All the major bus lines serving low-income neighborhoods in Columbus converge at a point not even a block from Pearl Market. We hope all other potential grant partners come on board so we soon see a day when no Columbus child goes to sleep hungry.
