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Louisiana Healthcare Connections Partners with Shreveport Farmers' Market to Establish First Ever Market Match Program

Date: 05/24/21

Program offers dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 in purchases made with SNAP card


Baton Rouge, La. (May 24, 2021) – As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing social determinants of health and reducing food insecurity, Louisiana Healthcare Connections announces a new partnership with the Shreveport Farmers’ Market to establish the market’s first-ever Market Match program. Beginning June 5 and running every Saturday through August 28 (except June 19), shoppers with a Louisiana Purchase (SNAP) card can receive a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 in purchases. SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. Participants receive benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is then used to purchase eligible food items at SNAP-participating retailers.

“The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is the only farmers’ market in the Shreveport-Bossier community that accepts SNAP benefits, and we are excited to partner with Louisiana Healthcare Connections’ ‘Double Up’ match program,” said Market Manager Emerie Gentry. “With 39% of the Caddo Parish population and 29% of the Bossier Parish population considered Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (also known as ALICE), we are providing a service that positively impacts the financial and nutritional needs of these households. Increased support will help us meet increased demand from our SNAP shoppers who want and deserve fresh, healthy, locally grown and produced food.”

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is held on Saturdays at Festival Plaza (101 Crockett St, Shreveport, LA 71101) from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. To ensure the safety of its patrons, the market will be operating as an open-air, walk-up farmers’ market with additional safety precautions. Patrons should observe all social distancing guidelines; wear a face covering; and refrain from touching any items displayed for sale as the vendors will serve guests one at a time and bag the selected items. The market also requests that guests follow a “shop and go” model in order to limit crowd size.

“For many of our members in Louisiana, every dollar counts,” said Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, CCM, LSSGB, Vice President of Population Health & Clinical Operations for Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “Farmers’ markets have traditionally offered more nutritional food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables for less, and we are proud to partner with the Shreveport Farmers’ Market to offer this valuable resource to our members and local community.”

To learn more about the Shreveport Farmers’ Market, visit www.redriverrevel.com/farmers-market.

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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections

Established to deliver quality healthcare through local, regional and community-based partners, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a Healthy Louisiana plan headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana Healthcare Connections exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Because Louisiana Healthcare Connections believes healthy is a way of life, its members benefit from programs and services designed for their personal well-being. For more information, visit www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com.