Project Gratitude

When it came to the attention of Francie Randolph, Sustainable CAPE’s Founding Director, that more than a quarter of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience ongoing food insecurity, she was compelled to act. She learned that 1.7 million veterans live in low-income households and that no national veteran nutrition incentive program was in place. Randolph, visual artist and educator as well as the creator of Sustainable CAPE (Center for Agricultural Preservation & Education), was all in. She created a path for increased local food affordability and accessibility for veterans, while supporting local farmers, our local economy and good nutrition.

“When nutrition incentives are used, funds are driven to our local vendors, local food is more affordable and we benefit our region’s long-term health. It is a clear win-win-win,” Randolph says. The incentive program gives veterans a way to continue community service with a very real connection to the land that they protected.

The success of the Project Gratitude program is dependent upon partnerships. Randolph is thrilled to have Hannah Oakland working alongside her helping to lay the groundwork for other members of Sustainable CAPE Farmers’ Market Coalition—such as farmers and farmers’ market managers—to participate. Oakland, who came on board a year ago as the manager of Sustainable CAPE’s Project Gratitude, is also manager of the Truro Farmers’ Market and is the wife of a veteran.

Gretel Norgeot, owner of Checkerberry Farm and a third-generation farmer, is the manager of the Orleans Farmers’ Market. Randolph says, “Gretel was the first on the Cape running nutrition incentives at the Orleans Farmers’ Market and helped me understand how to implement SNAP, WIC and senior programs in Truro. Once I recognized we could systematize the information and reduce barriers to entry for other farmers’ markets on the Cape and Islands, she helped to build the Sustainable CAPE Farmers’ Market Coalition with me.”

Todd and Katie Richardson built Fluffy Butt Farm in Forestdale from the ground up three years ago. Staff Sergeant Richardson, active duty Air Force, is currently stationed on Cape Cod. While he was stationed overseas, however, Katie traveled from California to Texas to Massachusetts with a core set of chickens that forms the foundation of their current flock. They have found a family in the Cape Cod farmers’ market community and appreciate being able to give back to veterans. “We bought a piece of property that allowed us to expand our flock and add in fruits and veggies. We hope to raise our child, due in September, here,” says Katie “and to keep the farm thriving despite being at the mercy of deployments, moves and whatever the military throws our way.”

“By sharing our passion of farming we also get to reach a very special part of the community. It’s a great feeling to know that something we care so much about can bring a healthy sustainable option to former service members—the men and woman of the US military branches who sacrificed so much before us. As a military family, we know what a small thank you can truly mean,” Richardson adds.

How does the program work? Veterans sign up at a participating market or at CIVOC (Cape & Islands Veteran’s Outreach Center) in Hyannis, provide their DD214 discharge papers and receive an ID card that can be shown at the market when they shop. Through Project Gratitude all veterans are eligible to receive a weekly token worth $10 for free fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. Those markets currently include the Orleans Farmers’ Market and the Truro Educational Farmers’ Market. Additionally, through the Healthy Incentive Program—HIP—at these and other Cape markets, any SNAP cardholder can participate in an added monthly program. They receive an immediate refund—a monthly amount from $40 to $80 depending upon family size—on their SNAP card for each dollar spent on fruits and vegetables from participating farmers. The farmer receives the revenue.

HIP is more widely available at local farmers’ markets. Cape & Islands HIP farmers are Cape Cod Organic Farm in Barnstable, Crow Farm in Sandwich, Dave’s Greens in Truro, E&T Farms in West Barnstable, Route 6 Farm in Eastham, and Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. There are farms from over the bridge that come to some markets on the Cape and offer HIP as well. The best way to find HIP farmers is to visit sustainablecape.org/programs.

Participating Farmers' Market Nutrition Incentive Programs

Project Gratitude

Veterans receive $10 in tokens at the Market Info Table weekly.

Healthy Incentive Program (HIP)

SNAP card holders receive an immediate refund on their card for each dollar spent on fruits and vegetables directly from participating farmers. Monthly limits of $40-$80, depending upon family size.

Bonus Match Programs

SNAP card holders, recipients of WIC and Senior Discount Coupons receive a matching bonus (depending on initial spending) of up to $10 in tokens at the Market Info Table.

Fresh Kids’ Awards

All children participating in select Sustainable CAPE Farmer-in-the-School programs receive $10 worth of redeemable awards to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at certain farmers’ markets.

Fruit & Vegetable Prescriptions

The success of Cape Cod’s FLAVORx pilot and study, a collaboration between Sustainable CAPE and Emerald Physicians (member Cape Cod Healthcare), will ideally lead to a continuation of similar programming.

See Sustainable CAPE Farmers’ Market Coalition website for maps & information.