MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A program has come to the Mid-South to encourage people with low incomes to eat healthier.

It’s called Fresh Savings and it offers incentives for food stamp recipients who choose fresh fruits and vegetables over processed food.

On Wednesday, about 50 people gathered outside the Kroger store to learn about the program which is being sponsored by the USDA, United Healthcare and the AARP Foundation.

People in the Raleigh community said the program is extremely important because a lot of senior citizens live there, and many of them receive food stamps through the SNAP program.

“That is one of my priorities. I was diagnosed with diabetes about seven years ago,” said Betty Woods, a SNAP recipient.

That’s why Woods changed her eating habits several years ago. She said programs like Fresh Savings is encouraging because it forces her to watch her diet.

“It’s very important for me, it really is. Eating healthy, planning my own meals,” she said.

Fresh Savings is offered at 18 Kroger stores and Farmers Markets in Tennessee including the Kroger in Raleigh.

AARP Foundation president Lisa Marsh Ryerson spoke to a group about the importance of the program in a community like Raleigh.

“It’s important because everyday older Americans, over 10 million of them, are struggling with hunger and their health is at risk. Adequate nutrition, healthy foods and access to them is vital for their well being,” she stated.

Under Fresh Savings, when someone spends $10 on fresh fruits and vegetables with a SNAP card, they receive a coupon for half off fruits and vegetables the next time they shop at a Kroger store.

“More people can get involved if they just knew how to eat healthy, eat portions for diabetics, the number one thing is portions but eat healthy,” Woods stated.

Fresh Savings also works at some farmer’s markets.

If you spend up to $10 with your SNAP card, you get the same amount in Fresh Savings tokens to spend on fruits and vegetables.

This program is also offered in some places in Mississippi.