PUBLISHED JULY 21, 2016
Hydro Harvest Farms to host 5th annual Double Up Food Bucks Month in August
By LOIS KINDLE
LOIS KINDLE PHOTOS
John and Terrie Lawson, owners of Hydro Harvest Farms in Ruskin, are offering the 5th annual Double Up Food Bucks promotion throughout the month of August to low-income residents participating in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
John Lawson and his wife Terrie, will once again offer half-off discounts on fresh fruits and veggies throughout August to low-income residents participating in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“We came to the realization that during the month of August everyone is broke,” Lawson said. “The kids have been home all summer and parents have spent their last dimes trying to get them fed. Most receive free breakfast and lunch during the school year, so the family’s food costs rise (considerably) during summer break. Add back-to-school expenses to that, and you can see why Double Up Food Bucks is needed.”
Lawson said the research he’s read shows that one in five school-age children are on some sort of assistance and an estimated half of those receiving SNAP benefits are either children or the elderly.
He and his wife feel most low-income families want to feed their children more fruits and vegetables, but many aren’t aware they can use their SNAP benefits at Hydro Harvest Farms. That’s one of the reasons the couple sponsors the annual Double Up Food Bucks promotion and pays for it out of their own pockets.
John Lawson, of Hydro Harvest Farms, is shown here grilling at the Ruskin Seafood Festival. He and his wife, Terrie, try to get out into the community whenever they can to promote the farm, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Ruskin.
Others include:
• Kids get to pick fresh produce right where it’s grown and learn where their food comes from. Lawson said children who pick their own veggies are more likely to eat and enjoy them.
• Families have the opportunity to double their purchases on fresh produce during a time of year when resources are stretched thin.
• The couple is able to increase awareness of what the U-pick farm offers year ’round.
• The promotion is one way the Lawsons give back to the South Shore community, which has supported their farm for the past 10 years. They also host special events during holidays, like the annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt in March, Boo Fest in October and Santa at the Farm in December. Free classes on canning and growing hydroponically are also offered.
From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, families or individuals in the SNAP program can pick black-eyed peas; Oriental long beans and eggplant; jalapeno, cayenne and serrano peppers; lettuce and okra; dill, sage, thyme, oregano, stevia and other herbs; and scallions at half off. SNAP recipients also pay half price for other produce sold at the farm stand, including whatever’s in season, like peaches, mangoes, corn, tomatoes, sweet onions, potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, avocados and pineapple. The list changes from week to week, Terrie Lawson said.
Regular customers can receive the same discounts in August by printing the coupon in Hydro Harvest Farms’ weekly newsletter. Those who don’t already receive it can sign up at www.hydroharvestfarms.com.
John Lawson is a hydroponic farmer who grows fruits and vegetables at Hydro Harvest Farms using all-natural, integrated pest management.
Family-owned and operated, the farm also features honey, homemade sauces and other jarred or canned foods, plus hydroponic equipment, nutrients and supplies. These are sold at regular price, even during the Double Your Bucks promotion.
Hydro Harvest Farms is a hydroponic farm that uses all-natural, integrated pest management. Located at 1101 Shell Point Road E. in Ruskin, its business hours are currently 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. After Labor Day, Sept. 5, the farm’s sales hours will change to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Group tours are available by appointment. To schedule one, email terrie@hydroharvestfarms.com. For additional information, call 813-645-6574.
