Double your FNS/SNAP Dollars at Farmers’ Markets

As we mentioned in a post earlier this month, many farmers’ markets accept FNS/SNAP/EBT benefits. We talked about a few benefits of shopping at the farmers’ market, and here’s one more:

Some farmers’ markets will DOUBLE your FNS/SNAP dollars.

Yes, you read that correctly! Some markets have programs called Double Bucks or Fresh Bucks that provide an incentive for shopping at the farmers’ market. These programs use a token system and double your FNS/SNAP dollars up to a certain amount, usually $5 or $10. So if you purchase $10 in tokens using your EBT card, you’ll receive $20 in tokens to spend at the market!

The rules for programs vary from market to market. Some Double Bucks programs allow you to purchase any FNS/SNAP eligible item sold at the market. This includes fruits, vegetables, plants, and other food items such as bread, meat, and eggs. Other programs, such as Fresh Bucks allow you to purchase fruits and vegetables.

I recently stopped by the Durham Farmers’ Market , which offers a Double Bucks Program. You might be surprised to see what you can purchase with your FNS/SNAP dollars.

Here’s an example using $5 FNS/SNAP dollars.

$5 FNS/SNAP + $5 Double Bucks = $10 in tokens

With $10 of tokens in hand, I purchased the following items:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 bunch of kale
• 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 2 pounds of white potatoes
• 1 bunch of turnips

Taking advantage of Double Bucks/Fresh Bucks programs is a great way to stretch your FNS/SNAP dollars. Contact your local farmers’ market to find out if they participate in one of these incentive programs.