Proposal for SNAP-friendly Indiantown farmers market could help residents improve heart health
INDIANTOWN, Fla., Feb. 6, 2026 – Picture this: You’re planning dinner for your family of four. You know that fruits and vegetables are good for your health and are important to include. The nearest grocery store has produce, but it’s too far to walk to, and you don’t have access to a car. There is a corner store you can walk to, but they don’t sell produce – or if they do, it’s too expensive for your family’s budget. This is a scenario faced by many Indiantown, Florida residents every day, and it has spurred the American Heart Association and other local organizations to advocate for a local farmers’ marketthat accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars.
“The science is clear – a diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables can reduce someone’s risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Tiffany McCaskill Henderson, Florida government relations director for the American Heart Association. “Our goal with this farmers market is to make sure Indiantown residents have a local and affordable option to purchase fruits and vegetables,so they can improve their overall health. We are working on a proposal now to share with the Martin County Board of Commissioners,” she said.
In Indiantown, an estimated 28% of the population lives at or below the poverty line according to a 2023 United States Census Report.
A 2022 survey of nearly 200 people who live or work in Indiantown revealed that their main barriers to healthy food are high food costs, limited transportation to reach a grocery store, and a lack of local stores that sell produce.
Organizations working with the American Heart Association on the proposal for an Indiantown farmers market include the Florida Department of Health in Martin County, the Indiantown Parks and Recreation Department, and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“A farmers market helps to support and improve health by providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Nick Clifton, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Martin County. “According to the community survey, those who work and live in Indiantown support the farmers market concept and see the health and economic benefits it can bring to the area.”
To learn more or share your own story about nutrition access in Martin County, contact Tiffany.Henderson@heart.org. Get involved with the American Heart Association’s advocacy efforts at HeartPowered.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
