SOUTH DEERFIELD — When the Atlas Farm Store split from the farm itself at the start of 2022, the store’s reauthorization process for food benefits was delayed, leaving shoppers who rely on those programs without any way to access fresh produce.
That was, however, until the community rallied around the Atlas Farm Store and raised several thousand dollars to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) available at the store. SNAP, previously known as food stamps, and HIP, which reimburses people when they purchase local produce, are programs that ensure low-income people have access to fresh and locally grown products.
“We decided partway through January to try and create a community fund because a pretty big percentage of our customer base are SNAP and HIP (recipients),” said Kelly Hickey, the store’s general manager. “Most of that came in the first few days and in that first week, it was really heartening to see.”
In total, the community raised $4,000 through a GoFundMe, which Hickey said the store “went a little beyond” in matching.
“We ended up distributing almost $11,000 worth of produce,” Hickey said. “For the winter, that’s a great amount of veggies that are getting eaten.”
The store quickly regained its SNAP authorization, but hit a snag when working to get the HIP program back up and running. Hickey explained the store is classified as a grocery store, but because of the close relationship with the farm, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) made an “unprecedented” decision to allow the store to offer HIP. HIP is usually only offered at farm stands, farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture programs (CSAs), the DTA’s webpage states.
“We thought it would be a little easier for sure; I knew there would be some waiting period,” Hickey said. “We have a unique structure and relationship with the farm, this is the first time they allowed that. I understand why it took a while.”
The store regained its HIP authorization on Feb. 25, which ended the nearly two-month period supported by the community fund.
“It helped us keep customers coming in and kept our flow of vegetables going,” Hickey said, adding that HIP is a “big deal” because it allows people to “get fresh produce in the winter.”
In regards to the community supporting the store and its customers, Hickey said it was “amazing” to see, and that she and the staff were thankful they were still able to provide people with produce.
“It was really nice to see that community effort. People were very grateful to have those funds available,” Hickey said. “We’re really grateful to the community for helping support everyone’s access to fresh veggies.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.