Meet Double Up Champion: Joe Lesausky

At Double Up Food Bucks, we’re on a mission to make fruits and veggies an accessible, affordable option for Michigan shoppers who use SNAP while also supporting our local farmers and communities. But this work simply wouldn’t be possible without the farmers markets and neighborhood grocery stores, community partners and shoppers, at the very heart of our program: Our Double Up Champions.

Meet Double Up Champion: Joe Lesausky

Through our Double Up Champion blog series, we want to elevate stories of the Michiganders who have made the Double Up program a statewide success (and national model) since 2009. Champions like Joe Lesausky, Food Access Director at Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). Keep reading to learn more about Joe’s long-time relationship with Double Up and let us know about a Double Up Champion near you!

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?  

Apples

How do you work with Double Up Food Bucks? 

Currently I support both Fair Food Network and our Farmers and Farmers Markets that participate in Double Up. Previously, I worked as a market manager helping to promote the program to our customers and helping shoppers with SNAP benefits use the program.

How does Double Up Food Bucks help people?  

Double Up helps increase access to fruits and vegetables for customers that shop with SNAP benefits. It also supports our local farmers by providing an incentive to purchase their produce.

Why do you believe it’s important to support Michigan-grown produce?  

Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state and local farmers are the backbone of many of our communities. Shopping local also decreases the travel distance our produce makes from its place on the farm to our plates.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share with shoppers about using Double Up?  

Get to know your local farmer and try something new! You never know what “new to you” item might be your new favorite meal!

Anything else? 

I have participated with Double Up Food Bucks since shortly after their pilot program year, and it has been a joy to see the program continue to impact so many throughout Michigan!

Nominate a Champion

Thank you, Joe and the whole MIFMA team, for supporting local farmers and healthy food access through Double Up Food Bucks and beyond! Do you know a Double Up Champion in your neighborhood? Tell us about them here!