Black Soil KY ready to serve folks at risk of losing SNAP benefits

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – People who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, might not get money on their benefits card next month.

This is due to the government shutdown that’s now on its 23rd day.

States have also been told by the Trump Administration not to use their own funds to pay out SNAP vendors.

Local organization steps up to help

“I saw a lot of folks panicking,” said Ashley Smith, Executive Director of Black Soil KY.

Smith said she wants people to know her farmacy market is here to help and provide relief for the thousands of Kentuckians who are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits.

“We have to lead in this moment,” said Smith. “We can’t buckle or be fearful.”

At Black Soil KY, Smith said the average transactions are between $4 and $20.

“When folks come in, they’re astonished by the pricing. We’ve worked really hard to pay our farmers their full cost that they’re invoicing us for and we then match and subsidize donations, grassroots fundraising,” said Smith.

What’s available at the farmacy market

Smith said their selection includes high-quality, healthy foods from Kentucky farmers. Things like eggs, milk, bread, produce and meat.

“It really provides a full spectrum of wants, needs and essentials,” said Smith.

They also offer grab bags that can be $5, $10 or $20 bags.

Smith said customers can fill it up with any of the produce they want that equates to that dollar amount. She said it’s a great way to give families accessibility to fresh foods at a low cost.

“It really allows you to have a selection and have that dignity of choice with our options,” said Smith. “It really increases everyone’s excitement around saving some hard-earned dollars while still being able to put food on the table.”

Serving the community

Smith said no one, regardless of their situation, will be turned away.

Since opening the Lane Allen retail location in May, they’ve served 1,800 people.

“Expanding that convenience into folks who often times are shut out because of maybe how much they earn or how much they don’t earn,” said Smith. “We’re excited to open up the doors to local food.”

Black Soil KY also has a farmacy market location on Florence Avenue.

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