Policy

The mission of the USDA is to “provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”

Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy has indisputably assisted millions of people in America since its inception. Wholesome Wave believes that America’s agriculture, food and nutrition policies improve the livelihoods of America’s farmers as well as the health outcomes of America’s low-income citizens. Since 2007, Wholesome Wave has been associated with programs that assist farmers, farmers markets, and federal nutrition benefit program recipients simultaneously. Our core Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP) now operates in over 25 states and more than 250 farmers markets across the country. Wholesome Wave has developed an understanding of the challenges and trends associated with developing a comprehensive and synchronistic agriculture, food, and nutrition system in the America, identified key policy options and their potential risks and implications, and outlined strategic policy directions that will position Wholesome Wave to impact agriculture, food, and nutrition policy more effectively.

Accomplishments and Milestones

Federal

  • In 2010, Wholesome Wave partners received $1.1 million in grants
  • USDA/Risk Management Agency (RMA) successfully applied for by DVCP partners
  • USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) successfully applied for by DVCP partners
  • Involved senior policy makers (USDA, HHS, Treasury) in national convening which was successful in raising awareness, excitement and support
  • Elimination of USDA/FNS Demonstration Exception Pilot
  • Elimination of Alternative Currency waivers
  • Successfully worked to streamline the USDA/FNS application process for farmers markets
  • Successful engagement of Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
  • Cited as a model in Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation: White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Report to the President, May 2010 (page 58)

State

  • Secured National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Resolution for additional specialty crop funding for nutrition incentives for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
  • Developed applications and templates for Specialty Crop funding for 12 success partner applicants so that up to 10% of funds can be used directly for incentives in Double Value Coupon Programs
  • Connected policy makers with our partners in regional convenings raising awareness, building excitement and increasing support
  • Established firm bi-partisan support for nutrition incentives in a variety of states in New England, the southeast, and California
  • Wholesome Wave program partner, Experimental Station, worked with the Illinois Legislature to successfully craft and pass Illinois HB 4756, the Farmers’ Market Technology Improvement Act.

Municipal

  • Chicago City-run farmers markets piloted SNAP access and incentive funding at five markets in one year. These five markets, along with Experimental Station’s 61st Street Market did more sales than all farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits in the entire state of Illinois.
  • Developed and Implemented first ever City Food Policy Convening in New York City focusing on nutrition incentives