Grocery stores aren’t the only place you can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy healthy food. You can also spend your SNAP dollars on fresh food at your local farmers market. 

For people who get SNAP assistance, local farmers markets are a good place to get nutritious foods, support local businesses, and meet new people. Plus, your nearest  market may even give you a little extra to spend. To find a farmers market in your area, including those that accept SNAP, visit the National Farmers Market Directory.

What can I buy with SNAP benefits?

SNAP benefits cover nearly everything at farmers markets is covered by your SNAP benefits, except for a few items—like fresh flowers, hot prepared meals, and handmade soap.¹ For example, FRESHFARM Markets in the Washington, D.C. metro area, features vendors selling everything from fresh meats, poultry, fruits, and vegetables to bread, handmade pasta, cheese, and more. Generally speaking, all of these items can be purchased with your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

For a complete list of what you can and cannot buy with your EBT card, check out our comprehensive guide. All in all, farmers markets are a great grocery-store substitute for SNAP recipients because they offer nothing but fresh, local foods. They’re a one-stop shop for everything you need to fill your fridge.

How to make purchases at a farmers market with SNAP

First, bring your EBT card with you to your local farmers market. When you arrive, look for an information table, and tell the person at the table you’d like to use your SNAP dollars to buy food. The person will need to swipe your EBT card and then they’ll give you tokens to use (also referred to as scrip).² You’ll typically receive one token for every SNAP dollar you want to spend.² The tokens never expire—so don’t worry if you end up taking out too many—but they cannot be exchanged.²

While many farmers markets use a token system, others may use different payment methods. One is an alternative receipt system where you shop first, get a receipt for items you want to buy, and then pay for your goods with your EBT card.³ Individual markets may even let you swipe your EBT card right at their booth.⁴

How to double your SNAP dollars at farmers markets

Some farmers markets, like FRESHFARM Markets, will match every dollar you spend, up to a set dollar amount.⁵  For example, you may be able to take home $20 worth of goods for only $10 of your own SNAP dollars. Not all farmers markets participate in a matching program, so contact one near you first to see if they offer it. The Center for Agriculture & Food Systems also has a drop down list of websites from states that offer dollar match incentive programs.

Get the most out of your SNAP benefits

One way to make the most of your grocery budget using SNAP is to plan your meals before you shop. Make a list of everything you need to prepare those meals, along with other essentials like healthy snacks. With a list handy you won’t forget to buy something—and it will keep you from buying items you don’t need.

What is SNAP and how do I apply?

SNAP is a federal program that helps individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy. But new NCOA data shows us that nearly 9 million older adults are eligible for SNAP but are not enrolled.

"It's shocking and unacceptable to have nine million eligible older adults not enrolled in benefits that can make the difference between them affording food or health care each month," said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. "These individuals are struggling to afford basic necessities, and they are missing out on critical assistance."

One example is Pamela, age 70. She suffers from numerous health complications and can no longer work. Her only source of income is her small Social Security payment. After discovering she was SNAP-eligible, Pamela was relieved.

The past year has been so hard for me with my health and my finances," she told NCOA. "This will help my stress a little."

Could you qualify for SNAP? It’s easy to find out with our online benefits screening tool. Just enter your ZIP code to get started. If you're eligible, we’ll provide all the information you need to apply.

Learn more about using SNAP at farmers markets by watching the video below. 

 

Sources

1. National Council on Aging. What Can You Buy With SNAP? January 25, 2024. Found on the Internet at https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-can-you-buy-with-snap/

2. Center for Agriculture & Food Systems. Farmers Market Legal Toolkit: Equipment & Payment - How Market Scrip Systems Work. Found on the Internet athttps://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/snap/legal-topics/equipment-and-scrip/how-market-scrip-systems-work/

3. Center for Agriculture & Food Systems. Farmers Market Legal Toolkit: Equipment & Payment - Receipt System. Found on the Internet athttps://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/snap/legal-topics/equipment-and-scrip/receipt-system/

4. Center for Agriculture & Food Systems. Farmers Market Legal Toolkit: Who Administers Benefits? - Vendor-Operated SNAP Systems. Found on the Internet athttps://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/snap/legal-topics/who-administers/vendor-operated/

5. Center for Agriculture & Food Systems. Farmers Market Legal Toolkit: Incentives & Matching Programs. Found on the Internet athttps://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/snap/legal-topics/incentives/