Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Oregon SNAP Participants During the grant period, we provided Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) SNAP incentives to a large cross section of SNAP participants across the state, including Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) shoppers. DUFB Oregon has a variety of participating outlets in all regions of the state, and in urban, suburban, and rural communities. According to 2019 data from US Census Bureau, Oregon SNAP participants were 63% Non-Hispanic White, 23% Hispanic, 3.% Black, 3% Asian, 6% two or more races, and 2% Native American / Alaskan Native. Optional demographic data collected from survey participants in 2022 by Oregon State University indicated DUFB program participants as 74% White, 7% more than one race, 3% Asian, 2% Black, 1% other races, and 12% declined to answer or did not know. Of surveyed participants, 15% were Hispanic and 85% not Hispanic. Farmers Market Managers Farmers Market Fund (FMF) reached managers from 89 farmers markets in 26 of Oregon's 36 counties. According to a 2022 census conducted by the Oregon Farmers Markets Association which surveyed all farmers market managers in the state (including those who did not participate in DUFB): 90% self-identified as White while 10% identified as Asian American Pacific Islander, Latine, and/or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). 84% identified as female, 12% as male, and 4% as queer or nonbinary. The Oregon Farmers Markets Association (OFMA), a sub-awardee, provided information about DUFB to 117 farmers market organizations in Oregon, and through them to their vendors and customers. Of special focus was farmers markets starting SNAP programs for the first time, or markets with established programs who have a new market manager. This included providing an average of 50 markets annually with ongoing SNAP and DUFB technical assistance about EBT equipment, SNAP and DUFB currency options, recordkeeping and accounting, how to handle EBT and DUFB transactions, and other technical support. In addition OFMA successfully helped 30 farmers markets receive free EBT equipment so they could start offering SNAP to their customers and vendors. Brick and Mortar Locations Oregon Food Bank partnered with 32 brick and mortar sites in 19 of Oregon's 36 counties. In selecting participating brick and mortar locations preference was given to stores that reside in an Oregon county that currently does not have a participating DUFB outlet, were BIPOC-led, offered culturally specific goods and/or services, and rural retailers serving within food insecure communities (utilized SNAP household demographic participation rates, USDA food access research atlas, and Map the Meal Gap, Opportunity Zone, datasets to assess regional make-up). Farmers Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition (PNWCSA) worked with 53 CSA farms in 15 Oregon counties to offer DUFB CSAs. During this period, PNWCSA was able to provide DUFB incentives to 552 food-insecure households in 69 cities throughout Oregon, with 75.7% of program participants identifying as White, 10.3% as more than one race, 2% as Black, 2% as Asian, and 1% American Indian or Alaskan Native. DUFB Ambassadors In recruiting Ambassador leaders, recruitment centered on persons with lived experience and expertise, current and former SNAP participants, and representation of communities who most disproportionately experience hunger in Oregon - Black, Indigenous and all People of Color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, and single mothers and caregivers. Changes/Problems:Changes and problems experienced during the grant period were minor. Farmers Markets Changes to SNAP-to-It! Program: We had initially proposed offering in-person SNAP-to-it! nutrition education programming at a farmers market, grocery store, and CSA farm participating in DUFB in 5 regions of the state. During Period 2, Oregon State University SNAP-Ed staff convened a Nutrition Incentive Community of Practice group that represents several regions of the state, including the greater Portland Metro area, the south, and the northern and southern coasts. Education Program Assistants delivered a variety of nutrition education programming at farmers markets designed to increase the knowledge, skill, and confidence levels of youth, families, and senior shopping with DUFB to enable them to make purchases that best fit their family's nutritional needs, while maximizing their budget. Programming was customized to the unique needs of the communities served, and included both the SNAP-to-It! curriculum as well as other interventions. Programming included both Indirect (distribution of hard copy materials, including activity books, Food Hero recipe cards and Monthly Newsletters) and Direct (Food Hero recipe tasting, Scavenger Hunts, Market Bingo, and Market Tours) activities. Over 25 Indirect and 15 Direct activities were delivered, reaching close to 2,500 individuals. In Period 3, partnership with Oregon State University SNAP Educators to provide nutrition education programming at farmers markets proved difficult as there was interest in more localized solutions. We therefore pivoted this approach to support the nutrition education programming already existing at local markets, rather than trying to spread a uniform statewide curriculum. CSA In Period 3, PNWCSA changed the DUFB CSA incentive model from a "capped" tiered incentive based on share size to a flat 1:1 SNAP match. In general, this change increased the amount of total annual incentives a participant could receive, and was very favorably received by farmers and the participants, as evidenced by the vast increase in farm and member participation during Period 3. This model better aligns CSA DUFB incentive distribution with the models used by farmers markets and grocery stores (i.e., the 1:1 match). Participant surveys indicate that CSA members using SNAP are more likely to enroll with a farm year after year when DUFB matches their SNAP spending. We believe that DUFB is an effective way to encourage more people to purchase CSA shares from local farmers and allows all members of our community to participate in a sustainable food system. Program Evaluation Recruitment for focus groups proved extremely difficult due to low response rates to a variety of methods of contact and recruitment, as well as a high rate of no-shows. As a result, OSU shifted planned focus groups to interview formats and prioritized Zoom over face-to-face interviews due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as greater flexibility and ability to recruit participants from across the state. OSU's grocery participant survey was overwhelmed by bots/scammers in Period 2, resulting in 1,700+ fake entries and a significant time expenditure to provide incentives to real participants and identify and exclude fake data. OSU will work to mitigate the bot problems for future grant evaluation via other grants by working with OFB to plan out in-person survey strategies at targeted stores with good foot traffic, as well as custom survey links that can be directly distributed to participants by store staff and only used one time. OSU also had substantial difficulty constructing the fruit and vegetable cup equivalent variables and have collected additional surveys after the data submission date, rendering the NTAE-provided datasets and reports incomplete in comparison to internally generated datasets and reports by OSU. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Farmers Markets Trainings were conducted by the FMF Program Coordinator for farmers market managers to better understand the impact of SNAP matching programs, and learn how to best interact with customers and vendors to implement Double Up Food Bucks. Training participants were also provided with record keeping and tracking tools to better organize SNAP and matching transactions, as well as improve bookkeeping methods. One training was held annually for winter participating markets and four trainings annually for markets participating in the main season, with two of those four market manager trainings for participating in DUFB and the requirements of the program, and the other two mandatory Customer Experience trainings, using a trauma-informed approach to interact with SNAP and DUFB customers at farmers markets. Regular ongoing technical assistance and mentoring was also given to all farmers market staff annually during the reporting period as their incentive programs began and additional coaching was required. FMF's Program Coordinator conducted 30 minute check-in calls annually with participating farmers markets. During these conversations, FMF staff ensured that markets' SNAP and DUFB programs were operating in compliance with all program regulations, and helped markets troubleshoot any emergent issues. In addition, FMF staff conducted in person site visits during the summer months at select farmers markets. FMF staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub and NTAE, received ongoing technical assistance and training through the Holistic TA pilot program co-coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, and through participation in communities of practice (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Incentives COP and Nutrition Education / Nutrition Incentives COP). All FMF staff attended in person the NTAE Nutrition Incentive Hub's National Convening in June 2023, providing learning opportunities through the convening's various sessions, plenaries, field trips, and networking opportunities. OFMA provided farmers markets with training, support, and technical assistance in understanding how to apply for SNAP retailer authorization with FNS and the differences between the two free EBT equipment programs available to Oregon markets and deciding which to enroll in. Brick and Mortar DUFB staff participated in the following training and professional development opportunities: OFB Staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub, receiving point of sale technical assistance and training from Fair Food Network and the National Grocers Association Foundation. OFB Staff have also been engaged in collaborative learning through participation in EBT Integration Community of Practice monthly gatherings to share insights in SNAP incentive delivery through state issued FNS EBT SNAP card. OFB staff have supported the creation of a cross department workgroup, Ambassador Think Tank, that supports shared learning around supporting participatory engagement and program design with community leaders throughout our Food Bank organizational work. Other professional development opportunities attended by staff include: Time isn't Neutral: Power, Time, and the Workplace Workshop presented by Whiteness at Work Building More Equitable SNAP-Ed Collaborations Among Land-grant Universities and State & Community Partners: Webinar sponsored by the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems in collaboration with the Racial Equity in the Food System Workgroup Opportunities to Connect Eligible Immigrant Families to SNAP: Reflections from USDA and Community Partners Webinar OFB provided direct consultation to store partners through bi-monthly check-in and technical assistance meetings. At these meetings, OFB provided project management support, ongoing meeting notes, tracked progress toward DUFB incentives launch, and retailer troubleshooting. OFB supported store partners with over 90 consultation meetings. Store training was developed to support discussions with grocery store leadership to improve customer service and SNAP participant experience. Training focused on addressing stigma around SNAP usage and food insecurity, root causes of hunger, treating SNAP shoppers with respect and dignity, and harm reduction. DUFB Ambassadors engaged in the following training and professional development activities: Double Up Food Bucks Program Training 101 (Introduction to DUFB Statewide Program) (led by OFB Organizer) Virtual Meeting Space Training (led by OFB Organizer) SNAP Access Training (led by 211Info) Double Up food Bucks Program Training 201 (Farmers Market Season Kick off) Food Systems Networking and Skill Building Convergence Nutrition Incentive Hub Webinar -Store Owner Voices: How Nutrition Incentives Help Small Businesses & Communities Food Finder Workshop (led by OFB Organizer) Individual Study: Skills in leading and conducting outreach events, public speaking, and networking reported by Ambassador participants Individual Study: Skills in strategic planning, effective execution, and adaptability to achieve DUFB objectives reported by Ambassador participants CSA Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition staff have participated in training related to the DUFB CSA program (how the tracking database works, how the incentives are disbursed). PNWCSA staff were invited to teach a course on how to improve CSA share accessibility through accepting SNAP, applying DUFB, and using sliding-scale payment models (Small Farms School). PNWCSA staff were invited throughout the year to participate in webinars, coffee chats, and other forums to advise other nonprofit organizations and farms on CSA share accessibility through SNAP and incentive programs. 45 farmers participating in the DUFB CSA program have received training on how to accept SNAP payments for their shares, how to apply DUFB incentives to their shares, how to recruit members, how to sign up members, and how to track member payments. Program Evaluation Evaluator Grutzmacher trained two doctoral students and four undergraduate students on key evaluation tasks such as project coordination, interviewing and focus group facilitation, transcription and transcript cleaning, survey data collection, database cleaning and variable construction, data analysis, and report completion. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our program evaluation partner, Oregon State University (OSU), created a series of datasets and reports from the evaluation collected throughout the three year grant period. This includes full survey datasets; outlet-specific datasets, outlet-specific reports, and site-specific reports. These datasets and reports were provided to implementing organizations (FMF, OFB, and PNW CSA) who were then able to disseminate these reports to their stakeholder networks, including specific DUFB outlets. FMF also partnered with farmers markets to conduct its own separate evaluation of the DUFB program at markets, gathering customer and vendor surveys to evaluate program impacts. Survey results were collected, analyzed, and disseminated to partner farmers markets for internal and external use. Results of OSU-led and FMF-led evaluation efforts are also used in reports for funders, stakeholders, and partners. Results and program impacts are also disseminated to the public through presentations at conferences and gatherings, state and local news stories, and postings on social media and websites. As a prerequisite for state funding used as matching funds for this project, FMF is required to provide Oregon DHS a report discussing program impacts and evaluation results. These reports are provided to the public by Oregon DHS through posting on their website, sharing with partners and legislators, and through other presentation opportunities. Outreach flyers and posters were distributed in all main regions of the state annually. FMF conducted annual reviews of these materials with Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon's SNAP Community Advisory Board (SNAP CAB) and made revisions to their design and presentation based on these feedback sessions, including streamlining the explanation of how the program works. These updated materials were disseminated to SNAP participants through farmers markets, Department of Human services offices, food banks and pantries, senior centers, community spaces, and other social service organizations. We have strong connections with the Department of Human Services, the State agency who administers SNAP, and their staff promote DUFB at several levels: both in their statewide outreach materials and through individual one-on-one conversations, when customers are registering for SNAP. The Oregon Health Authority, the State agency who administers the Farm Direct Nutrition Program and Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program, also included DUFB in their annual outreach materials to their audience. In partnership with Oregon DHS, we implemented a zip code-targeted mailing in May 2022 that highlighted and provided information about the DUFB program to communities across Oregon. This mailer was printed in seven languages and sent to 116,891 households across 28 zip codes. Information about the impacts of DUFB in Oregon were also shared at meetings of the Nutrition Council of Oregon (a group of nutrition professionals representing public health, health care, academia and research, food and nutrition programs and non-profit organizations who promote the nutritional health of Oregonians) as well as several meetings of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. Since 1989, the Oregon Hunger Task Force has worked collaboratively with stakeholders throughout Oregon to promote community awareness, compile research, and develop proposals for action to reduce hunger in the state. Additionally, individual sites participating in DUFB conduct their own outreach, based on their deep familiarity with their communities and the best ways to make connections. FMF provides farmers markets with region-specific outreach materials and DUFB outreach tips, as well as one-on-one technical assistance throughout the season. We also partnered with a number of independent outreach partners (organizations focused on food security and/or supporting local agriculture) in each region of Oregon to assist with outreach that reaches communities of interest. OFB provides grocery stores with customizable outreach materials and an outreach toolkit, as well as on-on-one technical assistance and promotion of DUFB grocery sites through their own statewide network of partners. All DUFB partners share the doubleuoporegon.org website, which serves as a central hub for any SNAP participant interested in the DUFB program. This site explains how the program works at different outlet types, and includes a list of all participating firms. Three annual cohorts of Double Up Food Bucks Ambassadors were recruited and onboarded by OFB throughout the grant period. In recruiting Ambassador leaders, recruitment centered on person's with lived experience and expertise, current and former SNAP participants, and representation of communities who most disproportionately experience hunger in Oregon: Black, Indigenous and all People of Color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, and single mothers and caregivers. These Ambassadors participate in regular group and individual meetings and check-ins, are provided training and professional development opportunities, offer feedback on the program, and engage in community-based outreach about the DUFB program. See "Other Products" section for additional detail on outreach materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Oregon is a statewide SNAP incentive program coordinated by Farmers Market Fund (FMF). For every dollar of SNAP spent on eligible products, shoppers receive an additional dollar of DUFB to spend on local fruits and vegetables (FV). Participating outlets include farmers markets, grocery stores, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farmers across Oregon. During the course of this grant, DUFB Oregon expanded to serve 89 farmers markets, 53 CSA farms, and 32 grocery stores in 30 of Oregon's 36 counties. Overall, $6,623,421 in DUFB incentives were distributed across all outlets, with $5,260,189 of these incentives redeemed to purchase fresh FV. This project has greatly expanded the reach and impact of DUFB Oregon, bringing greater geographic availability, a significant increase in number of users and incentives redeemed, greater economic impact to farmers, and increased economic and food security to users. Goal 1: Increase the purchase of Oregon-grown fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at Oregon farmers markets by offering a dollar for dollar match, up to $20 per day. Activities: GusNIP funds enabled 89 farmers markets in 26 Oregon counties to participate in DUFB Oregon, while the daily match was increased from $10 to $20. FMF and Oregon Farmers Markets Association (OFMA) conducted outreach to over 90 markets to provide technical support for and encourage participation in SNAP and DUFB at their markets. FMF created flyers and posters in 6 languages to bring SNAP shoppers to markets, distributing them statewide, and provided DUFB explainer postcards in 10 languages for use at markets. FMF also collaborated with Oregon DHS on a ZIP code-targeted mailing in May 2022 highlighting and providing information about the DUFB program. The mailer was printed in 7 languages and sent to 116,891 households in 28 ZIP codes. Data: All farmers markets collected the required GusNIP core metrics monthly and reported the total number of SNAP and incentive transactions and new SNAP customers each day. Statistics: In Period 3, farmers markets reported $1,464,826 in produce purchased with DUFB, 34% growth over Period 2 and 195% over Period 1, while the 88,941 DUFB transactions represent 19% growth over Period 2 and 73% over Period 1. Fourteen new markets joined DUFB, with the total 89 participating markets representing 19% growth over Period 2 and 46% over Period 1. Counties served increased from 17 the year before this grant to 28 in Period 3. In total, $3,034,956 in DUFB incentives were redeemed at markets during the grant period. Outcomes: Significantly more SNAP shoppers learned about and used the DUFB program, while more markets across a wider geographic area participated in DUFB, leading to an increase in the amount of local produce purchased by SNAP shoppers and greater economic benefit to farmers. All target outcomes for this goal were significantly surpassed. Goal 2: Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at independently-owned grocery stores across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar match of up to $10 per day. Activities: Oregon Food Bank (OFB) recruited 24 new grocery store partners-many culturally-relevant, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) owned, and/or in rural areas with high levels of food insecurity-to increase total brick and mortar locations to 32 stores in 22 Oregon counties. The daily grocery match was increased from $10 to $20 in Period 2. OFB translated materials into 8 languages to support in-store promotion and outreach. To ensure DUFB shoppers had access to local fresh produce, OFB required stores to commit to Oregon-grown produce procurement guidelines by displaying at least 5 Oregon-grown produce items, and developed and shared tools for stores to define and track local produce. Data: GusNIP core metrics were collected at all sites, as well as transaction-level data and total dollar value sold and proportion of local produce. Statistics: OFB configured POS technology at 24 new stores, 9 (28%) of them BIPOC-owned, bringing total participating stores to 32 across 22 Oregon counties. OFB implemented 5 new POS technology solutions. DUFB grocers sold a total of $24,706,332 in produce, $5,280,347 of which (21%) was local produce, an increase of 311% over the 2021 baseline. Participating stores issued $1,726,365 in DUFB incentives in Period 3, with $1,173,928 redeemed, growth of 67% over Period 2 and 712% over Period 1. In total, $2,021,573 in DUFB incentives were redeemed at grocers during the grant period. Outcomes: The use of DUFB at grocery stores increased significantly during the grant period, driven by an increased incentive limit, the growing number and diversity of DUFB grocers, and effective outreach and technological implementation by OFB. All target outcomes for this goal were significantly surpassed. Goal 3: Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants through CSA shares across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar match, up to $200 per share per season. Activities: Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition (PNWCSA) ran outreach campaigns via social media, newsletter, and handouts to educate consumers and farmers on how to use SNAP and DUFB to purchase CSA shares. PNW CSA held Share Fair events annually in Portland, as well as a virtual event in Central Oregon. New participating CSA farmers were recruited through outreach campaigns in Central and Southern Oregon. Data: All participating CSA farmers reported monthly GusNIP core metrics. PNWCSA staff tracked the number of SNAP households purchasing CSA shares, number of farmers offering SNAP shares, and their total value. Statistics: In Period 3, CSA farmers reported $99,221 in produce purchased with SNAP incentives, 99% growth over Period 2, 129% over Period 1, and 201% growth over the pre-grant period. 473 households purchased CSA shares with SNAP and DUFB, 23% growth over Period 2, 47% over Period 1, and 163% over the pre-grant period. 64 farms in 15 counties participated in the program, representing respective growth of 113% (farms) and 50% (counties) over the pre-grant period. Outcomes: The amount of local produce by SNAP shoppers increased, resulting in greater FV consumption by participants and expanded sales for Oregon farmers. More SNAP participants can access the program due to more participating farms across a greater geographic area. All target outcomes for this goal were significantly surpassed. Goal 4: Improve economic well being for farmers and reduce the sense of food insecurity of SNAP participants who participate in the DUFB program. Activities: Oregon State University (OSU) collected a total of 1,990 participant surveys across all outlet types throughout the three year grant period and FMF worked with farmers markets to gather customer and vendor surveys during the grant period. Statistics: Survey data collected by OSU indicates that participation in the DUFB program increases food security over time. Of 1,331 respondents in Periods 1 and 2, only 51.5% of first time participants rated themselves as food secure, while 65.7% of those who had participated for less than six months and 67.2% of those participating for more than six months were food secure. FMF and partner farmers markets collected 679 participant surveys during the grant period. Of those respondents: 625 (92%) report the amount of fruits and vegetables (FV) they buy has increased due to DUFB 590 (87%) report the amount of food they have in the house has increased due to DUFB 561 (83%) report their overall health has improved due to DUFB Out of 200 DUFB vendors surveyed, the following report that, due to DUFB: 168 (84%) make more money 152 (76%) have a new customer base 139 (70%) sell more FV 184 (92%) believe their market is stronger Outcomes: Survey results provide strong evidence that the DUFB program both improves the economic well being of farmers who accept DUFB and the food security of DUFB participants.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Oregon SNAP Participants During this period, we provided Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) SNAP incentives to a large cross section of SNAP participants across the state, including Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) shoppers. DUFB Oregon has a variety of participating outlets in all regions of the state, and in urban, suburban, and rural communities. According to 2019 data from US Census Bureau, Oregon SNAP participants were 63% Non-Hispanic White, 23% Hispanic, 3.% Black, 3% Asian, 6% two or more races, and 2% Native American / Alaskan Native. Optional demographic data collected from survey participants in Period 1 indicated participants as 74% White, 2% Black, 2% Asian, 5% two or more races, 1% Native American / Alaskan Native, 5% other, and 11% declined to answer or did not know. Farmers Market Managers During this period, we reached managers from 75 farmers markets in 26 of Oregon's 36 counties. According to a 2019 census conducted by the Oregon Farmers Markets Association which surveyed all farmers market managers in the state (including those who did not participate in DUFB): 94% self-identified as White, 3% Asian, and 3% asian multiracial/multiethnic. In addition, 39% self-identified as low income, 3% as immigrant / refugees, 30% as rural underserved, 12% as LGBTQ+, 9% as people with disabilities, and 5% as crime / abuse survivors. The Oregon Farmers Markets Association, a sub-awardee, provided information about DUFB to 116 farmers market organizations in Oregon, and through them to their vendors and customers. This included providing 30 markets with ongoing SNAP and DUFB technical assistance about EBT equipment, SNAP and DUFB currency options, recordkeeping and accounting, how to handle EBT and DUFB transactions, and other technical support. Brick and Mortar Locations During this period, sub-awardees from the Oregon Food Bank partnered with 25 brick and mortar sites in 15 of Oregon's 36 counties. In selecting participating brick and mortar locations preference was given to stores that were BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) led, offered culturally specific goods and/or services, and rural retailers serving within food insecure communities. Farmers During this period, sub-awardee Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition worked with 39 CSA farms in 10 Oregon counties, including seven new farms who joined the DUFB incentive program during the reporting period. During this period, the Pacific NW CSA Coalition was able to provide DUFB incentives to 386 food-insecure households in 51 cities throughout Oregon, with 8% of program participants identifying as American Indian and/or Native Alaskan, 2% as Black, and 2% as Asian. DUFB Ambassadors In recruiting Ambassador leaders, recruitment centered on persons with lived experience and expertise, current and former SNAP participants, and representation of communities who most disproportionately experience hunger in Oregon - Black, Indigenous and all People of Color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, and single mothers and caregivers. Changes/Problems:Changes and problems in Period 2 have been minor. Changes to SNAP-to-It! Program: We had initially proposed offering in-person SNAP-to-it! nutrition education programming at a farmers market, grocery store, and CSA farm participating in DUFB in 5 regions of the state. During Period 2, Oregon State University SNAP-Ed staff convened a Nutrition Incentive Community of Practice group that represents several regions of the state, including the greater Portland Metro area, the south, and the northern and southern coasts. Education Program Assistants delivered a variety of nutrition education programming at farmers markets designed to increase the knowledge, skill, and confidence levels of youth, families, and senior shopping with DUFB to enable them to make purchases that best fit their family's nutritional needs, while maximizing their budget. Programming was customized to the unique needs of the communities served, and included both the SNAP-to-It! curriculum as well as other interventions. Programming included both Indirect (distribution of hard copy materials, including activity books, Food Hero recipe cards and Monthly Newsletters) and Direct (Food Hero recipe tasting, Scavenger Hunts, Market Bingo, and Market Tours) activities. Over 25 Indirect and 15 Direct activities were delivered, reaching close to 2,500 individuals. Unfortunately , due to the ongoing severe risk of COVID (and fluctuating vaccination rates and regional regulations across Oregon), it was once again determined to be too dangerous to offer in-person SNAP-to-It! programming in any grocery stores or at CSAs during Period 2. In lieu of delivering live programming at CSA farms, skill sheets developed in Period 1 were distributed in CSA shares by SNAP Educators in Period 2. Skill sheets gave SNAP shoppers simple and easy tips about how to cook the vegetables in their CSA shares. Program Evaluation Recruitment for focus groups has been extraordinarily difficult (low response to various methods of contact/recruitment, high rate of no-shows, etc.), resulting in both delays and several changes in recruitment strategies. As a result, we are discussing a switch to interview formats and prioritizing Zoom over face-to-face. Our grocery participant survey was overwhelmed by bots/scammers, resulting in 1,700+ fake entries and a significant time expenditure to provide incentives to real participants and identify and exclude fake data. We have also had substantial difficulty constructing the fruit and vegetable cup equivalent variables and have collected additional surveys after the data submission date, rendering the NTAE-provided datasets and reports unusable. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Farmers Markets Five trainings were conducted by the FMF Program Coordinator for farmers market managers to better understand the impact of SNAP matching programs, and learn how to best interact with customers and vendors to implement Double Up Food Bucks. Training participants were also provided with record keeping and tracking tools to better organize SNAP and matching transactions, as well as improve bookkeeping methods. One training was held in late 2021 for markets who began their programs in Winter 2022 and four were held in Spring 2022 for markets participating in the main season. Two of the Spring 2022 trainings were market manager trainings for participating in DUFB and the requirements of the program while the other two were Customer Experience trainings, a trauma-informed approach to interacting with SNAP and DUFB customers at farmers markets that was required training for all participating markets. Regular ongoing technical assistance and mentoring was also given to all farmers market staff during the reporting period as their incentive programs began and additional coaching was required. FMF's Program Coordinator conducted a 30 minute check-in call with all 75 participating farmers markets during the reporting period. During these conversations, FMF staff ensured that markets' SNAP and DUFB programs were operating in compliance with all program regulations, and helped markets troubleshoot any emergent issues. Additionally, Farmers Market Fund staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub and NTAE, received ongoing technical assistance and training through the Holistic TA pilot program co-coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, and through participation in communities of practice (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Incentives COP and Nutrition Education / Nutrition Incentives COP). Brick and Mortar OFB staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub, receiving point of sale technical assistance and training from FFN, National Grocers Association Foundation, and through participation in communities of practice. Staff have also been engaged in collaborative learning through participation in the EBT Integration community of practice. OFB provided direct consultation to store partners through bi-monthly check-in and technical assistance meetings. At these meetings, OFB provided project management support, ongoing meeting notes, tracked progress toward DUFB incentives launch, and retailer troubleshooting. OFB supported store partners with over 90 consultation meetings. Store training developed to support discussions with grocery store leadership to improve customer service and SNAP participant experience. Training focused on addressing stigma around SNAP usage and food insecurity, root causes of hunger, treating SNAP shoppers with respect and dignity, and harm reduction. The Ambassador "DUFB 101" training was developed in Spanish language and delivered during this period to all DUFB Ambassadors. CSA Four Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition staff have participated in training related to their DUFB program (how the tracking database works, how the incentives are disbursed). 35 farmers have received training on their SNAP and DUFB program (how incentives are applied, how to recruit members, how to sign up members, how to track member payments). Program Evaluation Four undergraduate and two graduate students received training on protocol development, data collection, data management, and data analysis for survey, interview, and focus group evaluation activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our program evaluation partner, Oregon State University, is in the process of creating a series of reports and datasets from the evaluation data collected during this project. Expected products will include a complete dataset of all collected and cleaned evaluation data, with the ability to filter and view by site type, as well as individual summary reports for all three outlet types (farmers market, brick and mortar, and CSA); individual reports for farmers markets with large enough sample sizes, as well as combined regional reports for smaller markets; qualitative summaries of focus group feedback and individual interviews; and a high level report encompassing the entire DUFB Oregon program in Periods 1 and 2. Once completed, these reports will be delivered and reviewed with program partners and participating sites, as well as being shared broadly with stakeholders across Oregon. We expect also to create a presentation webinar that can be implemented in partnership with Oregon Farmers Market Association. Outreach flyers and posters were distributed in all main regions of the state. We conducted a detailed review of these materials with Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon's SNAP Community Advisory Board (SNAP CAB) in early 2022 and made significant revisions to their design and presentation based on this feedback. Revised materials were reviewed by SNAP CAB in a follow up Spring 2022 meeting, with strongly positive feedback from committee members to the changes made to outreach materials. These updated materials were disseminated to SNAP participants through farmers markets, Department of Human services offices, food banks and pantries, senior centers, community spaces, and other social service organizations. We have strong connections with the Department of Human Services, the State agency who administers SNAP, and their staff promote DUFB at several levels: both in their statewide outreach materials and through individual one-on-one conversations, when customers are registering for SNAP. The Oregon Health Authority, the State agency who administers the Farm Direct Nutrition Program and Senior Farm DIrect Nutrition Program, also included DUFB in their annual outreach materials to their audience during Period 2. In partnership with Oregon DHS, we implemented a zip code-targeted mailing in May 2022 that highlighted and provided information about the DUFB program to communities across Oregon. This mailer was printed in seven languages and sent to 116,891 households across 28 zip codes. Information about the impacts of DUFB in Oregon were also shared at meetings of the Nutrition Council of Oregon (a group of nutrition professionals representing public health, health care, academia and research, food and nutrition programs and non-profit organizations who promote the nutritional health of Oregonians) as well as several meetings of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. Since 1989, the Oregon Hunger Task Force has worked collaboratively with stakeholders throughout Oregon to promote community awareness, compile research, and develop proposals for action to reduce hunger in the state. Additionally, individual sites participating in DUFB conduct their own outreach, based on their deep familiarity with their communities and the best ways to make connections. FMF provides farmers markets with region-specific outreach materials and DUFB outreach tips, as well as one-on-one technical assistance throughout the season. We've also partnered with a number of independent outreach partners (organizations focused on food security and/or supporting local agriculture) in each region of Oregon to assist with outreach that reaches communities of interest. OFB provides grocery stores with customizable outreach materials and an outreach toolkit, as well as on-on-one technical assistance and promotion of DUFB grocery sites through their own statewide network of partners. All DUFB partners share the doubleuoporegon.org website, which serves as a central hub for any SNAP participant interested in the DUFB program. This site explains how the program works at different outlet types, and includes a list of all participating firms. During Period 2, 12 Double Up Food Bucks Ambassadors were recruited and onboarded. In recruiting Ambassador leaders, recruitment centered on person's with lived experience and expertise, current and former SNAP participants, and representation of communities who most disproportionately experience hunger in Oregon - Black, Indigenous and all People of Color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, and single mothers and caregivers. These Ambassadors participated in a total of 143 hours of meeting time, including 64 check-in meetings with individual Ambassadors, 12 full cohort meetings with all Ambassadors, and additional training, feedback, and outreach sessions. See "Other Products" section for additional detail on outreach materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Farmers Markets Continue to increase the number and geographic diversity of farmer markets offering the DUFB program, by working in partnership with OFMA to ??make connections with new markets and offer them the technical assistance and support necessary to participate in DUFB and thrive Build capacity and expertise among farmers markets participating in DUFB by continuing to organize and host DUFB Community of Practice meetings during the DUFB season, strengthening peer learning opportunities among DUFB practitioners across the state and providing in-depth training on topics including outreach, program implementation, and vendor training. In addition, continue to develop and require for all participating markets annual Customer Experience trainings rooted in trauma-informed best practices that help create welcoming environments for all SNAP and DUFB participants. Continue to adapt and expand program design and implementation based on feedback provided by SNAP Client Advisory Board, regional community partners, and DUFB Ambassadors, with a focus on removing barriers SNAP shoppers may face to participation in the program. Continue to successfully implement the DUFB program at farmers markets, with a goal of distributing at least $1,200,000 in incentives at 85 sites in 29 counties in Period 3. Continue to conduct annual online trainings for all participating farmers markets to successfully implement the program and track results, distribute over 30,000 pieces of outreach materials to community partners, organizations, and social service agencies serving SNAP recipients around participating markets, and oversee successful implementation of Y3 program evaluation at all participating DUFB Oregon sites. In collaboration with OSU, complete analysis of Year 1 and 2 program evaluation and disseminate results widely. Evaluation results will be disseminated in appropriate formats (e.g., presentations, stakeholder reports, and annual and final project reports) and used to both improve the Oregon programs and provide evidence of best practices to other programs. Oregon Farmers Markets Association We will continue to be a one stop resource for farmers market operators to come to with any questions about how to implement and run SNAP. Brick & Mortar Recruit and onboard a new Ambassador cohort to continue to support culturally specific outreach, identify responsive strategies to address barriers, and participate in program design and implementation. Develop produce sourcing & sales tracking system with plan, baseline and goals for each grocer. Connect retailers with local wholesale/distributors and direct produce growers as needed. Monitor tracking of local produce procurement, troubleshoot and revise as needed. Recruit and launch 3 to 4 retailers each quarter. Conduct outreach to new grocers (including owners of color) and verify previously identified grocers. Confirm contracts & reporting, install DUFB point of sale solution, troubleshoot and provide technical support. Update training materials, translate as needed and conduct onsite training. Continue to monitor through site visits and monthly reviews of reporting metrics, responding to low incentive use or compliance concerns. To address extended timelines for technology fulfillment and configuration, we will continue to monitor DUFB solution functionality, respond to retail staff feedback, and troubleshoot technology issues. A specific learning to apply is allowing for additional time in the project timeline for tech configuration. In response, we will extend the timeline to 3-6 months for stores launching new technology solutions. CSA Develop and deploy outreach campaigns throughout the 2023 main season and winter season, both for farmers and for consumers. Translate program material into Spanish (both recruitment material, as well as sign-up forms). Promote program at annual Share Fair event and during CSA Week; enable members to sign up at Share Fair. Continue new farm recruitment Travel to other regions of state to educate farmers and consumers about the program (North Coast, Rogue Valley) Program Evaluation While funding for evaluation activities formally ended at the end of Y2, the evaluation team will use Y1 and Y2 data to create site reports and datasets for implementing organizations to directly use during the next reporting period.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Oregon is a statewide SNAP incentive program with a history of success, and has been coordinated by Farmers Market Fund (FMF) since 2015. For every dollar of SNAP spent on eligible products at participating sites, shoppers receive an additional dollar of DUFB to spend on local fruits and vegetables. Participating outlets include farmers markets, grocery stores, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farmers across Oregon. In Period 2, the program served 75 farmers markets, 39 CSA farms, and 25 grocery stores in 27 of Oregon's 36 counties, distributing $2,376,465 of DUFB, of which $1,847,890 was redeemed. This project has greatly expanded the reach and impact of DUFB Oregon, bringing greater geographic availability, a significant increase in number of users and incentives redeemed, greater economic impact to farmers, and increased economic and food security to users. Goal 1: Increase the purchase of Oregon-grown fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at Oregon farmers markets by offering a dollar for dollar match, up to $20 per day. Activities: In Period 2, 75 farmers markets in 26 counties participated in DUFB, while the daily match increased from $10 to $20 at all markets. FMF staff conducted outreach to 19 markets to encourage participation, and OFMA staff provided support to 51 markets to participate in SNAP and DUFB. FMF created flyers and posters in five languages to bring SNAP shoppers to markets, distributing them statewide. FMF also collaborated with DHS on a ZIP code-targeted mailing in May 2022 highlighting and providing information about the DUFB program to communities across Oregon. The mailer was printed in 7 languages and sent to 116,891 households in 28 ZIP codes. Data: All farmers markets collected the required GusNIP core metrics monthly and reported the total number of SNAP and incentive transactions and new SNAP customers each day. Statistics: In Period 2, markets reported $1,095,021 in produce purchased with DUFB, a 121% increase over Period 1. The total number of DUFB transactions increased by 46% and the number of shoppers using their SNAP benefits for the first time increased 54%. Seven new markets joined DUFB, including 5 markets new to accepting SNAP. Outcomes: A growing number of Oregon SNAP shoppers became familiar with and used the DUFB program at Oregon farmers markets, significantly increasing the amount of local produce purchased by SNAP shoppers at markets. More markets across a wider geographic area participated in DUFB, leading to increased SNAP user access to the program and greater economic benefit to farmers. Goal 2: Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at independently-owned grocery stores across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar match of up to $10 per day. Activities: In Period 2, the daily grocery match was increased from $10 to $20. OFB identified 70 prospective culturally-specific and BIPOC owned grocers and completed partnership development visits to 15 of them. OFB translated materials into 8 languages to support in-store promotion and outreach. Stores with low participation or reporting challenges were supported to increase shopper engagement, outreach, and to address point of sale (POS) technical challenges. One new retailer was recruited to implement RORC, a previously unsupported POS system, and other partners were supported for EPIC, NSR Elmer, and PC America POS systems. In new and renewed contracts, OFB required stores to commit to Oregon-grown produce procurement guidelines during the peak growing season (May-Oct) by displaying at least 5 Oregon-grown produce items and tracking the amount of local produce purchased each month. Data: GusNIP core metrics were collected at all sites, as well as transaction-level data and total dollar value sold and proportion of local produce. Statistics: OFB configured POS technology at 8 new stores, 6 of them culturally-specific and/or BIPOC-owned, bringing total participating stores to 25 across 15 Oregon counties, with 22 offering incentives and 3 to begin offering incentives in Period 3. OFB implemented 3 new POS technology solutions. Participating stores issued $1,106,465 in DUFB incentives, with $703,026 redeemed through 70,389 transactions for a 63% redemption rate. DUFB redemption increased 386% over Period 1. Of the total DUFB redeemed, $214,880 (30.6%) was purchased from culturally-specific and BIPOC-owned retailers. Outcomes: The growth in produce purchased with DUFB enabled SNAP participants across Oregon to access more fruits and vegetables. The number and diversity of DUFB grocers grew significantly in Period 2, allowing more shoppers across Oregon to access the program. Goal 3: Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants through CSA shares across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar per match, up to $200 per share per season. Activities: PNW CSA ran outreach campaigns via social media, newsletter, and handouts to educate consumers and farmers on how to use SNAP and DUFB to purchase CSA shares. PNW CSA held two Share Fair events, one in Portland and a virtual event in Central Oregon, and two food preparation workshops educating participants on how to prepare food in their CSA shares. New participating CSA farmers were recruited through a Central Oregon outreach campaign. Data: All participating CSA farmers reported monthly GusNIP core metrics. PNWCSA staff tracked the number of SNAP households purchasing CSA shares, number of farmers offering SNAP shares, and their total value. Statistics: In Period 2, CSA farmers reported $49,843 in produce purchased with SNAP incentives via 809 transactions, a 15% increase over 2021, and 386 shares purchased using DUFB, a 20% increase over 2021. Seven new farms in Central Oregon joined the program in Period 2, bringing 47 new families into the program. General outreach in the rest of the state brought in another 15 farms, serving 29 more families, for a total of 22 new farms and 76 newly participating families. Outcomes: The amount of local produce purchased by SNAP shoppers increased, resulting in additional consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables by food insecure Oregonians and expanded sales for local farmers. More SNAP participants can access the program due to more CSA farmers participating across a greater geographic area. Goal 4: Improve economic well being for farmers and reduce the sense of food insecurity of SNAP participants who participate in the DUFB program. Activities: While a full analysis of OSU's evaluation results will not be available until Period 3, FMF worked with farmers markets to gather customer and vendor surveys in summer 2022, the relevant results of which are outlined below. Statistics: Among 451 farmers market participants surveyed by OSU in Period 2, only 15.8% of first-time participants were food secure, while 31.5% of participants who had been using the program for less than six months were food secure, and 52.7% of participants who had been using the program for more than six months were food secure. FMF and partner farmers markets collected 266 participant surveys in summer 2022. Of those respondents: 223 (83.83%) agree or strongly agree the DUFB match increase to $20 made it easier for them and others in their household to get fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) 253 (95.1%) report the amount of FVs they buy has increased due to DUFB 232 (87.2%) report the amount of food they have in the house has increased due to DUFB 228 (85.7%) report their overall health has improved due to DUFB Out of 97 DUFB vendor survey respondents, the following report that, due to DUFB: 89.7% make more money 80.4% have a new customer base 86.6% sell more FV 95.6% believe their market is stronger Outcomes: Survey results provide strong evidence that the DUFB program both improves the economic well being of farmers who accept DUFB and the food security of DUFB participants.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Double Up Food Bucks Oregon's primary target audience are Oregon's SNAP participants. The program's secondary audiences include the managers of farmers markets andbrick and mortar sites who participate in the program, and CSA farmers who participate in the program. Oregon SNAP Participants During this period, we provided Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) SNAP incentives to a large cross section of SNAP participants across the state. When Oregon began distributing Pandemic EBT in July 2021, P-EBT shoppers also became eligible for receiving theDUFB SNAP incentive. DUFB Oregon has a variety of participating outlets in all regions of the state, and in urban, suburban, and rural communities. According to 2019 data from US Census Bureau, Oregon SNAP participants were 63% Non-Hispanic White, 23% Hispanic, 3% Black, 3% Asian, 6% two or more races, and 2% Native American / Alaskan Native. Our annual participant surveys also collected optional demographic data from all participants, but analysis of survey data was not completed during this reporting period. Farmers Market Managers During this period, we reached managers from 61 farmers markets in 21 of Oregon's 36 counties. According to a 2019 census conducted by the Oregon Farmers Markets Association which surveyed all farmers market managers in the state (including those who did not participate in DUFB): 94% self-identified as White, 3% Asian, and 3% as multiracial/multiethnic. In addition, 39% self-identified as low income, 3% as immigrant / refugees, 30% as rural underserved, 12% as LGBTQ+, 9% as people with disabilities, and 5% as crime / abuse survivors. The Oregon Farmers Markets Association, a sub-awardee, provided information about DUFB to 116 farmers market organizations across the state during this period, including 54 markets who received help directly from OFMA staff to answer their questions regarding processing SNAP, EBT equipment choices, and SNAP rules and regulations Brick and Mortar site managers During this period, sub-awardees from the Oregon Food Bank partnered with 17 brick and mortar sites in 11 of Oregon's 36 counties. In selecting participating brick and mortar locations preference was given to stores that were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led, offered culturally specific goods and/or services, and rural retailers serving within food insecure communities. Farmers During this period, sub-awardee Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition worked with 35 CSA farms in 12 Oregon counties, including 11 new farms who joined the DUFB incentive program during the reporting period. During this period, the Pacific NW CSA Coalition was able to provide DUFB incentives to 321 food-insecure households in 51 cities throughout Oregon. Changes/Problems:We experienced no major changes, but minor deviations, largely due to impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which were impossible to predict at the time of submission of our grant application (May 2020). Months of pervasive wildfire smoke and record high temperatures also impacted some programming at participating farmers markets. 1. Changes to SNAP Client Advisory Board (CAB) Meetings: We had initially planned to attend quarterly SNAP CAB meetings in person, however due to the pandemic this was not possible as all meetings shifted to a remote format. Instead, FMF and OFB staff attended regular SNAP CAB meetings held via Zoom, seeking frequent feedback from SNAP CAB members. 2. Delay on travel: FMF, OFB, OFMA, and PNWCSA travel was delayed due to wildfires and surges of the Delta variant in communities that had been planned to visit. Travel to many sites that had been predicted for late Period 1 will happen in early Period 2. 3. Delay on DHS mailing: The State of Oregon Department of Human Services had committed to sending a zipcode targeted mailing to SNAP participants in select regions of the state highlighting the DUFB program. The agency faced considerable challenges and increased workload as they navigated elevated SNAP participation related to the pandemic, the new implementation of P-EBT, and disaster EBT linked to Oregon's historic wildfires. Unfortunately they were not able to complete this mailing in Period 1. They have committed to sending a larger mailing (which will account for full matching funds committed) in Period 2. 4. Changes to SNAP-to-It! Program: We had initially proposed offering in-person SNAP-to-it! nutrition education programming at a farmers market, grocery store, and CSA farm participating in DUFB in 5 regions of the state. During Period 1, Oregon State SNAP Educators in 7 counties expressed interest in offering the SNAP-to-It! programming in their region, and formed a workgroup which met 4 times during Period 1. Due to the unexpected and ongoing severe risk of COVID (and fluctuating vaccination rates and regional regulations across Oregon), it was determined to be too dangerous to offer in-person SNAP-to-It! programming in any grocery stores or at CSAs during Period 1. In lieu of delivering live programming at CSA farms, SNAP Eductors developed printed and four different Skill Sheets. Skill sheets gave SNAP shoppers simple and easy tips about how to cook the vegetables in their CSA share, and were distributed in CSA boxes at 5 farmers markets participating in DUFB. Grocery Store Tours were postponed until 2022. The delay allows for eventual implementation of direct delivery tours, and provides additional time for OFB to onboard new grocery stores in new geographies. The farmers market program was offered but was significantly modified from the original proposal, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon Department of Agriculture's prohibition on any food sampling at farmers markets this season, pervasive and persistent wildfire smoke in many regions of the state, and exceedingly hot and dry temperatures (upwards of 115 degrees) that posed additional challenges to participation. The farmers market curriculum was changed to a self-guided format, to avoid large group gatherings. In addition, a Welcome Packet template was designed, including market maps, farmer bios, Food Hero recipes, and a "guide" to market currencies. SNAP-To-It! self-guided tours were offered at farmers markets in 5 counties during Period 1. Our current plan is to deliver SNAP-To-It! as it was intended during Period 2, and to also extend the delivery to DUFB authorized grocery stores and CSAs and was included in our proposal. The DUFB workgroup of SNAP Educators will reconvene in early 2022, and SNAP Educators from 3 additional counties (for a total of 8) have also expressed interest in offering the SNAP-to-It! programming in their communities. 5. Brick and Mortar: Grocery incentive distribution was lower than expected, due to delays in individual store launches. These delays were caused by impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, from supply chain delays for tech hardware to staff shortages at retail partners. There have been delays in the development, configuration, and fulfillment of technology for DUFB distribution at the point of sale. The implementation of the EPIC standalone tablet at small volume stores wasinterrupted by significant supply chain issues for the specific hardware necessary to process Double Up Food Bucks. An additional challenge is the learning that the EPIC solution has limited compatibility across point of sale platforms, whichhas required additional configuration to meet each store's individual business operations and hardware configurations. 6. Ambassador Program Delay: This program shifted to virtual only recruitment and meetings due organizational COVID-19 safety policies. This shift impacted recruitment and support activities to community leadership engagement. Instead of 10 Ambassadors,as originally planned, 6 Ambassadors supported the DUFB program this grant period. 7. CSA: The COVID-pandemic had a pronounced effect on CSA sales during Period 1, driving them significantly higher than expected and predicted. As the impact of the pandemic changes with time, it will be critical to examine sales trends during the main 2022 season to determine which activities will be the most effective towards driving sales. Significant sales trend analysis will be conducted from January - May 2022. Conclusions will be used to determine the most effective outreach activities, and in what locations (specific communities, cities, populations, etc.) they should be targeted 8. Program Evaluation: Response rates were low from grocery participants, perhaps because of a diffuse outreach and recruitment effort that left a lot of burden to store coordinators to communicate with customers about the survey opportunity. We may consider supplementing the survey incentive to entice additional participation, or perhaps working more closely with stores to distribute an outreach flyer to all shoppers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Farmers Markets Three trainings were conducted by the FMF Program Coordinator for farmers market managers to better understand the impact of SNAP matching programs, and learn how to best interact with customers and vendors to implement Double Up Food Bucks. Training participants were also provided with record keeping and tracking tools to better organize SNAP and matching transactions, as well as improve bookkeeping methods. One training was held in late 2020 for markets who began their programs in Winter 2021, and two were held in Spring 2021 for markets participating in the main season. Regular ongoing technical assistance and mentoring was also given to all farmers market staff during the reporting period as their incentive programs began and additional coaching was required. Additionally, a 30 minute mid-season check-in meeting was conducted with representatives from each of the 62 markets participating in DUFB. In spring 2021, the FMF Program Coordinator collaborated on a presentation with the Oregon Farmers Markets Association. This presentation was developed to help farmers markets in their first year of accepting SNAP understand what is necessary to succeed in the DUFB program. By building connections with these markets and helping them develop the tracking and bookkeeping systems that support a successful SNAP program, we hope they will be more prepared to participate in DUFB in 2022. Additionally, Farmers Market Fund staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub and NTAE, received ongoing technical assistance and training through the Holistic TA pilot program co-coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, and through participation in communities of practice (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Incentives COP and Nutrition Education / Nutrition Incentives COP). Brick and Mortar Oregon Food Bank staff have participated in opportunities for training through the Nutrition Incentive Hub, receiving point of sale technical assistance and training from Fair Food Network and National Grocers Association Foundation, and through participation in communities of practice. Staff have also been engaged in collaborative learning through participation in EBT Integration community of practice, the Nutrition Incentives Point of Sale Requirements work group, attending the National Grocers Association Grocery Show. OFB staff have supported the creation of a cross department workgroup, Ambassador Think Tank, that supports shared learning around participatory engagement and program design with community leaders. OFB provided direct consultation to store partners through bi-monthly check-in and technical assistance meetings. At these meetings, OFB provided project management support, ongoing meeting notes, tracked progress toward DUFB incentives launch, and retailer troubleshooting. OFB supported store partners with over 90 consultation meetings. In person site visits were conducted for 6 retail store partners in the Eastern and Coastal regions of Oregon. Store site visits focused on an enviromental scan of program promotion requirements, demonstration of POS technology, and coordinator interview to discuss successes and challenges related to launching the DUFB program. Site visit assessments and follow up letters were completed to record and communicate necessary program improvements and support resources available. CSA Three Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition staff have participated in training related to the DUFB CSA program, focused on how the tracking database works and how the incentives are disbursed.A total of 35 farmers have received training on the SNAP and DUFB program, including how incentives are applied, how to recruit members, how to sign up members, and how to track member payments, resulting in a total of ~60 hours of technical assistance during Period 1. Program Evaluation The evaluation PI engaged extensively with the technical assistance providers at NTAE, attended multiple webinars, and worked extensively with partners to finalize and implement the first stages of the project evaluation plan. The evaluation team staff consists of three undergraduate and one graduate student, all of whom were trained on participant survey data collection and in-depth interviewing with stakeholders, data entry, Qualtrics survey construction, interview protocol development, basic quantitative data analysis, and basic thematic analysis of qualitative data. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The annual program evaluation was not completed during Period 1, but will be completed during Period 2. We plan to share these results broadly with stakeholders across Oregon. Outreach flyers and posters including instructional program messaging informed by feedback from SNAP CAB members were distributed in all main regions of the state. These materials were disseminated to SNAP participants through farmers markets, Department of Human services offices, food banks and pantries, senior centers, community spaces, and other social service organizations. We have strong connections with the Department of Human Services, the State agency who administers SNAP, and their staff promote DUFB at several levels: both in their statewide outreach materials and through individual one-on-one conversations, when customers are registering for SNAP. The Oregon Health Authority, the State agency who administers the Farm Direct Nutrition Program and Senior Farm DIrect Nutrition Program, also included DUFB in their annual outreach materials to their audience during Period 1. Additionally, individual sites participating in DUFB conduct their own outreach, based on their deep familiarity with their communities and the best ways to make connections. FMF provides farmers markets with region-specific outreach materials and DUFB outreach tips, as well as one-on-one technical assistance throughout the season. We've also partnered with a number of independent outreach partners (organizations focused on food security and/or supporting local agriculture) in each region of Oregon to assist with outreach that reaches communities of interest OFB provides grocery stores with customizable outreach materials and an outreach toolkit, as well as on-on-one technical assistance and. OFB also promotes. All DUFB partners share the doubleuoporegon.org website, which serves as a central hub for any SNAP participant interested in the DUFB program. This site explains how the program works at different outlet types, and includes a list of all participating firms. During Period 1, six Double Up Food Bucks Ambassadors were recruited and onboarded. In recruiting Ambassador leaders, recruitment centered on person's with lived experience and expertise, current and former SNAP participants, and representation of communities who most disproportionately experience hunger in Oregon - Black, Indigenous and all People of Color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, and single mothers and caregivers. These Ambassadors participated in a total of 35 hours of meetings and activities, and distributed 2,100 individual pieces of outreach materials to their communities. Outreach materials were multilingual, reflecting the top languages spoken in the communities where participating DUFB sites are located. See "Other Products" section for additional detail on outreach materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Farmers Markets Continue to increase the number and geographic diversity of farmer markets offering the DUFB program, by working in partnership with OFMA to make connections with new markets and offer them the technical assistance and support necessary to participate in DUFB and thrive Build capacity and expertise among farmers markets participating in DUFB by strengthening the existing community of practice among markets participating in DUFB. In Period 2, we will present quarterly webinars that offer in-depth training on topics including outreach, program implementation, and vendor training. This community will also offer farmers markets ongoing opportunities for sharing best practices and peer learning around implementing successful DUFB programs. Continue to adapt and expand program design and implementation based on feedback provided by SNAP Client Advisory Board, regional community partners, and DUFB Ambassadors, with a focus on removing barriers SNAP shoppers may face to participation in the program. Based on learnings in Year 1, make changes as necessary to SNAP-to-It! curriculum and overall program design so that it can be offered at farmers markets, CSAs, and grocery stores in five regions of the state to offer this nutrition education program. Some flexibility in program design may be necessary, depending on current COVID risk in summer 2022. Continue to successfully implement the DUFB program at farmers markets, with a goal of distributing at least 600,000 in incentives at 65 sites in 21 counties in Period 2. Continue to conduct annual online trainings for all participating farmers markets to successfully implement the program and track results, distribute over 30,000 pieces of outreach materials to community partners, organizations, and social service agencies serving SNAP recipients around participating markets, and oversee successful implementation of Y2 program evaluation at all participating DUFB Oregon sites. In collaboration with OSU, complete analysis of Year 1 program evaluation and disseminate results widely. Evaluation results will be disseminated in appropriate formats (e.g., presentations, stakeholder reports, and annual and final project reports) and used to both improve the Oregon programs and provide evidence of best practices to other programs. Oregon Farmers Markets Association OFMA will continue to be a resource for farmers market operators to come to with any questions about how to implement and run SNAP. In 2022, OFMA will use more frequent outreach through e-news and social media that this service is available. For trainings offered to farmers markets, OFMA is considering creating a Getting Started with SNAP workshop as part of a winter bootcamp for new markets, and dedicating one of their regular peer learning circles to methods markets are using for tracking their SNAP and DUFB transactions. Brick & Mortar Recruit and onboard a new Ambassador cohort to continue to support culturally specific outreach, identify responsive strategies to address barriers, and participate in program design and implementation. Develop produce sourcing & sales tracking system with plan, baseline & goals for each grocer. Connect retailers with local wholesale/distributors and direct produce growers as needed. Monitor tracking of local produce procurement, troubleshoot and revise as needed Recruit and launch 3 to 4 retailers each quarter. Conduct outreach to new grocers (including owners of color) and verify previously identified grocers. Confirm contracts & reporting, install DUFB point of sale solution, troubleshoot and provide technical support. Update training materials, translate as needed and conduct onsite training. Continue to monitor through site visits and monthly reviews of reporting metrics, respond to low incentive use or compliance concerns. To address extended timelines for technology fulfillment and configuration, we will continue to monitor DUFB solution functionality, respond to retail staff feedback, and troubleshoot technology issues. A specific learning to apply is allowing for additional time in the project timeline for tech configuration. In response, we will extend the timeline to 3-6 months for stores launching new technology solutions. CSA Develop and deploy outreach campaigns for 2021 main season and winter season, both for farmers and for consumers Promote program at annual Share Fair event and during CSA Week; enable members to sign up at Share Fair Continue new farm recruitment Travel to other regions of state to educate farmers and consumers about the program Program Evaluation OSU will expand their stakeholder interviews to include CSA and farmers market stakeholders, as well as participant focus groups For the participant core surveys, OSU will scale back responses at farmers markets and otherwise replicate the existing plan to collect data in Summer 2022 OSU saw a high response rate collecting surveys at the farmers market and CSA site types, and will work to strengthen the outreach to customers using DUFB at participating grocery sites
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Oregon is a statewide SNAP incentive program with a history of success, and has been coordinated by FMF since 2015. For every dollar of SNAP spent on eligible products at participating sites, shoppers receive an additional dollar of DUFB to spend on local fruits and vegetables. DUFB aims to help food insecure Oregonians bring home more fresh produce while supporting farmers and local economies. With this grant, FMF will work closely with a coalition of statewide partners to meet the following main goals: 1) Continue the steady growth of a program with a proven track record, helping Oregon families bring home more fruits and vegetables; 2) Dramatically expand the DUFB program at grocery stores, with a special focus on urban and rural underserved communities and partnering with culturally-specific stores owned by and serving communities of color; 3) Increase the use of existing point of sale technology solutions and develop a new technology to reach new retailers; 4) Integrate nutrition education with DUFB at farmers markets, groceries, and CSAs in select communities across the state to help participants feel comfortable shopping farm-direct and cooking nutritious meals; and 5)Test the impact of a $20 maximum match in Oregon's most rural, food insecure counties to learn what level of incentive encourages maximum participation in the program. The program's collection of outlet types and statewide locations allows DUFB to support Oregon families and farmers wherever they live. In Period 1, the program served 62 farmers markets, 35 CSA farms, and 17 grocery stores in 21 of the state's 36 counties, distributing $1,922,720 of DUFB. Goal 1 Increase the purchase of Oregon-grown fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at Oregon farmers markets by offering a dollar for dollar match, up to $20 per day. Activities: During Period 1, GusNIP funds enabled 61 farmers markets in 21 Oregon counties to participate in DUFB. FMF staff offered direct outreach to 23 markets to encourage participation, and OFMA staff provided additional support to 54 markets, answering questions regarding SNAP retailer authorization, EBT equipment, and SNAP regulations. Flyers and posters were created to bring SNAP shoppers to the markets. Materials were translated into 4 languages and distributed statewide, in collaboration with farmers markets, food pantries, Department of Human Services offices, and community partners. Data: All farmers markets collected the required GusNIP core metrics monthly. They also collected the number of SNAP and incentive transactions each market day and the number of new SNAP customers daily. Statistics: During Period 1, markets reported $490,638 in produce purchased with DUFB, which is a 71% increase over the same period the previous year. Compared to the same period the previous year, the number of DUFB transactions increased by 88% and the number of shoppers using their SNAP benefits for the first time at a farmers market increased 67%. Of the 23 markets who received direct outreach from FMF, 6 joined DUFB in 2021, including 2 markets who were new to accepting SNAP. Outcomes: A growing number of Oregon SNAP shoppers became familiar with DUFB. The amount of local produce purchased by SNAP shoppers significantly increased, also resulting in expanded sales for farmers. With a larger number of farmers markets with a greater geographic range participating in DUFB, more SNAP users could access the program and more farmers benefited from increased sales. Goal 2 Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants at independently-owned grocery stores across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar match of up to $10 per day. Activites: During Period 1, OFB recruited 17 stores to offer DUFB and configured point of sale (POS) technology at 10 stores. Outreach to new sites was conducted with a call for applications distributed by regional POS providers, the OFB network of food banks and community based partners. Guidelines were developed requiring retailers to sell 5+ items of Oregon-grown produce during the peak growing season. OFB defined POS incentive specifications for the RORC POS. Considerable progress was made in configuring the EPIC tech solution. Data: GusNIP core metrics were collected at all sites. Because 2021 is the first full year of the DUFB program, data will be used as a baseline for comparison during future years of the program. All stores also collected baseline produce procurement data. Statistics: Since the beginning of the program in mid-2020, the number of groceries has increased 25%, the number of stores issuing DUFB has increased 113%, and the number of counties with participating stores has increased 38%. The baseline value of local produce purchased at participating sites is $774,102, accounting for 14% of total produce purchased. Five retailers have been recruited to test two new point of sale technology solutions. Outcomes: The growth in produce purchased with DUFB enabled SNAP participants across Oregon to access more fruits and vegetables. As the number and diversity of grocers participating in DUFB increases (including 2 culturally specific /BIPOC retailers), more shoppers across Oregon can access the program. Goal 3 Increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants through CSA shares across Oregon by offering a dollar for dollar per match, up to $200 per share per season. Activities: Outreach campaigns were conducted to educate consumers and farmers on how to use SNAP and DUFB to purchase CSA shares. PNWCSA staff and volunteers facilitated connections between SNAP shoppers and CSA farms with available shares. Data: All participating CSA farmers reported monthly GusCNIP core metrics. PNWCSA staff tracked the number of households purchasing CSA shares with SNAP. During this period, 11 new farms joined the DUFB incentive program, for a total of 35 farms in 12 counties. Statistics: During Period 1, CSA farmers reported $43,325 in produce purchased with SNAP incentives. This is a 31% increase over 2020 levels. CSA farmers reported 321 shares were purchased using DUFB, which is a 78% increase over 2020 levels. The number of farmers allowing shoppers to purchase shares with DUFB increased 17% over 2020 levels, and the number of counties with participating farms increased 20% over 2020 levels. Outcomes: The amount of local produce purchased by SNAP shoppers increased, resulting in additional consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables by food insecure Oregonians and expanded sales for local farmers. With a larger number of CSA farmers with a greater geographic range participating in DUFB, more SNAP participants can access the program. Goal 4 Improve economic well being for farmers and reduce the sense of food insecurity of SNAP participants who participate in the DUFB program. Activities: During the reporting period, program evaluators from Oregon State University collected initial and follow-up participant surveys from 764 DUFB participants at farmers markets and grocery stores. They also conducted extensive planning and development activities in order to prepare for other data collection activities in the next reporting period, including stakeholder interviews at each of the three Oregon site types and participant focus groups. Data: During the reporting period, 570 initial surveys were conducted at participating farmers markets and 81 initial surveys were conducted at participating grocery stores. Statistics: No data analysis was conducted during this reporting period. Outcomes: While OSU has yet to extensively analyze the participant data, a large cross-sectional sample from the summer of 2021 has been collected. We anticipate having a sufficient sample of individuals who completed all three of our surveys (initial and two follow-up surveys) to examine any changes over the program season and report progress towards this goal in the next reporting period.
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