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SHIP stories The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) works to improve health through better nutrition, increased physical activity and decreased exposure to commercial tobacco products. As of June 2011: • Farmers markets increase access to fruits and vegetables, a key component of healthy eating. Before SHIP, there were 82 farmers markets in Minnesota. During the first two years of SHIP, 160 new farmers markets opened, an increase of 95 percent. Marketing Healthy Habits The Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support (MDHFS) and its partners expanded the availability of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) services to the Minneapolis and Northeast Farmers Markets to help provide better access to healthy, local foods. “Customers love the program. They’ll go back [o their communities] and tell their friends, ‘did you know about the free $5 in Market Bucks when you swipe your EBT card for $5 at the Market?” commented Sandy Hill, Onsite Communications and EBT Manager of the Minneapolis Farmers Market. “It’s a very beneficial incentive program for these people.” Since the start of EBT and Market Bucks, the EBT program has provided healthy foods to 2,454 participants, a 160 percent increase since 2010. “We have become friends and have regulars that come every week,” commented Sandy Hill, Onsite Communications and EBT Manager of the Minneapolis Farmers Market. 8/2012 www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii In addition to helping people get their daily fruits and veggies, the program has also proven fiscal success. From July 1, 2010 through the first week of November, 2011 the vendors and farmers have experienced over $65,000 in additional sales at the Minneapolis Municipal Farmers Market. “Our Board and vendors were excited about implementing the EBT program and really appreciated the City of Minneapolis’s help in setting it up. It’s been a win-win situation,” commented Sandy. *** SHIP is working to make the healthy choice the easy choice in Minnesota. Find out how at www.health.state.mn.us/ship