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08/01/2012 12:19 AM

USDA Chair Visits Bronx To Examine Program Effectiveness

By: NY1 News

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The government got a firsthand look Tuesday at how city residents are benefiting from a variety of food assistance programs.

The national administrator of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service visited the Bronx Tuesday to view the on-the-ground impact of the programs.

The agriculture department said the SNAP program, formerly called Food Stamps, helped close to 2 million city residents.

"Giving people access and affordability are two of the major, I think, outcomes for these kinds of markets," said Audrey Rowe with the USDA.

"The kids get the nutrition they need with the farmer's market," said Bronx resident Jennifer Torres. "Everything that's here is healthy, so the kids, they love it."

The USDA official said Congress granted extra money for wireless devices so people can use their benefits electronically at more farmers markets.