Using SNAP Benefits at Your Local Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ Market Season

With the arrival of spring, many local Arkansas Farmer’s Markets are kicking off their season, selling farm fresh produce and locally prepared foods. Did you know that some farmers’ market vendors accept SNAP benefits? These benefits help offset food costs for low-income families and provide access to fresh, nutritious food for Arkansas families.

SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks

As you visit your local Farmers’ Market, you can look for signage at vendor booths to see who accepts SNAP EBT payment. You can also stretch your SNAP dollars by taking advantage of the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, a one-to-one dollar match that makes it easy to purchase locally grown produce at many farmers markets and farm stands across Arkansas.

Here’s how it works:

• First, bring your SNAP/EBT Card to the farmers’ market office or info-booth before you shop
• Second, buy snap-eligible food at the market with your SNAP/EBT dollars
• Third, DUFB will match what you spend up to $20 every market day. You can use them right away or later on to buy fresh fruits and vegetables
• Check out this helpful flyer for more information or visit Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention’s website.

The program runs from May 1st until October 31st.  All 2021 locations are listed here.

How it works:

What is SNAP?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as the Food Stamps program, assists low-income families by covering a portion of their food budget, ultimately aiding in hunger relief and nutrition. One of the most important food support programs in our state, these benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) card, which families can use at most grocery stores, farmer’s markets and other food retailers.

SNAP Facts

• Formerly known as Food Stamps.
• SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
• SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) card and are accessed with this card.
• The majority of SNAP recipients DO NOT receive welfare benefits.
• Eligibility is based on income and assets, citizenship, and dynamics of the SNAP household: how many members are in the family, the ages of family members, etc.
• Average benefits are $112.59 per person/month.