(ASHEVILLE) -- As the W.K. Kellogg Foundation kicked off its Food & Community Conference in Asheville on Tuesday, the foundation released results of a survey that finds strong support for making produce affordable and accessible to all Americans. The foundation says that three-quarters of Americans support a nationwide program to double the value of SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, when used at farmers markets.

"Americans want produce that is healthy, affordable, green and fair," said Dr. Gail Christopher, vice president – program strategy at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. "We see strong support here for food that is good not only for the people eating it, but also for the people producing it."

The poll found that 68 percent of those surveyed said it was "very important" that all Americans have equal access to fresh fruits and vegetables. An additional 25 percent said it is "somewhat important."

The survey also found that officials at all levels, from the federal government to local governments, should have a role to play in ensuring the equal access.

Respondents indicated support for those harvesting their produce. Asked if they would be willing to pay $1.50 more for produce each month to ensure fair wages are paid to those picking fruits and vegetables, 88 percent strongly or partly agreed. A study by the Economic Policy Institute said such a raise would increase the pay of a farm worker making $10,000 a year to $14,000, which would be above the poverty line.

The survey results come as a U.S. House panel recently recommended cuts to the SNAP program. The Agriculture Committee suggests cutting funding by around $33 billion over a 10 year span. North Carolina 10th District Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry said federal spending needs to be cut.  McHenry indicated that more of the burden for programs like SNAP should be on local governments.

"I think the state and counties and municipalities are better engaged in that process than a one size fits all approach out of Washington," said McHenry.  He added that this is the most efficient way to operate programs like this.

Recently, Kevin Kincannon, the USDA Undersecretary for food and nutrition paid a visit to the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. He was promoting having vendors accept SNAP benefits.  Market Manager Ronnie Best said it comes down to vendors being willing to accept an electronic transaction.