For more information contact:
Jim Kopniske, 216-664-4466

MEDIA ADVISORY

Cleveland and the George Gund Foundation team up to provide greater access
to fresh, local foods for residents in need

Mayor Jackson, Councilman Cimperman and others to announce
Ohio Direction Card EBT incentive pilot program

Cleveland (July 15, 2010) — Residents who rely on the Ohio Direction Card for their monthly grocery needs will soon have new, healthier options for their shopping - local Cleveland farmers’ markets.  The City of Cleveland, in collaboration with the Downtown Cleveland Alliance and area farmers’ markets, and with the support of The George Gund Foundation will launch the Ohio Direction Card EBT incentive pilot program.  The program will allow Ohio Direction Card holders to use their cards at four area farmers’ markets and receive an extra five dollars to spend at the market.  This move will provide those in need with access to fresh, local produce, meats and food products.  It is a program that will promote healthy eating and help connect local farmers with a wider audience.

The George Gund Foundation granted the pilot program $10,000, which will be administered through the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.  The funding will help the four markets acquire the necessary equipment to scan the Ohio Direction Card, promote the program, and offer incentives to area residents enrolled in the program to shop for fresh, healthy foods at the markets.  Additional details of the program and incentives will be announced at a press event on Friday, July 16, 2010.

WHO: Mayor Frank G. Jackson; Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman; Morgan Taggart, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition & OSU Extension; Joe Mariucci, Downtown Cleveland Alliance; Dave Abbot, The George Gund Foundation; and Matt Carroll, director, department of public health; along with area farmers markets managers

WHAT: Announcement of the Ohio Direction Card EBT incentive pilot program that will allow enrolled residents the ability to shop at four Cleveland farmers markets

WHEN: 1 p.m., Friday, July 16

WHERE: Northwest Quadrant of Public Square (Across from Old Stone Church)

“The pilot program will provide all Clevelanders access to healthier food choices such as fresh meat and produce at convenient locations throughout the city,” said Councilman Cimperman.  “It is a win-win for our city and region.  It will help promote our growing urban farming industry while providing residents with limited incomes a wider range of shopping choices and access to better nutrition.”

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