What Is EBT/SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps millions of Americans afford nutritious food each month. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized retailers — including a growing number of farmers markets across the country.
Using SNAP at farmers markets connects families with the freshest local produce while supporting small-scale farmers in their community. It is one of the most impactful ways to stretch your food budget and eat well.
How EBT Works at Farmers Markets
Not every farmers market accepts EBT, but the number that do has grown substantially over the past decade. Here is how the process typically works:
- Find a participating market. Look for markets that display EBT/SNAP signage, or browse EBT-accepting markets on our directory.
- Visit the market information booth. Most markets have a central booth or manager's tent where EBT transactions are processed. Swipe your card and request the dollar amount you want to spend.
- Receive tokens or scrip. After swiping, you will receive wooden tokens, paper scrip, or a receipt that vendors accept as payment. Some markets use a different color token for SNAP-eligible vs. non-eligible items.
- Shop as usual. Use your tokens at any participating vendor booth. Vendors will accept them just like cash.
- Get change if needed. If a vendor cannot make change with tokens, return unused tokens to the information booth for a refund back to your EBT card.
What You Can Buy with SNAP at Farmers Markets
SNAP benefits at farmers markets follow the same rules as grocery stores. You can purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products and eggs
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Honey, jams, and preserves
You cannot use SNAP to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, prepared hot foods, or non-food items like soap, candles, or cut flowers.
Double Up Food Bucks: Doubling Your Dollars
One of the best-kept secrets in food assistance is the Double Up Food Bucks program. Operating in over 25 states, this incentive matches your SNAP spending at farmers markets dollar-for-dollar, up to a daily cap (often $20).
Here is how it works: if you spend $15 in SNAP benefits, you receive an additional $15 in Double Up tokens that can be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. That means $15 of SNAP benefits buys $30 worth of fresh produce.
Double Up programs go by different names in different states — "Fresh Bucks" in Washington, "Market Match" in California, "Healthy Harvest" in other regions. Ask at your local market's information booth whether a matching program is available.
States with Active Double Up Programs
Double Up Food Bucks and similar matching programs are active in states including Michigan, New York, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Ohio, Arizona, and many more. The Fair Food Network maintains a national directory of participating locations. Check with your local farmers market to confirm availability.
State-Specific Programs and Incentives
Beyond Double Up, many states and cities run their own incentive programs for SNAP users at farmers markets:
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Provides low-income seniors with coupons redeemable at farmers markets. Available in most states.
- WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants receive seasonal coupons for fresh produce at farmers markets.
- Produce Prescription Programs: Some healthcare providers issue "prescriptions" for fresh produce redeemable at farmers markets.
These programs vary by state and county. Browse markets by state to find options near you, and ask market managers about any additional local incentives.
Tips for First-Time EBT Users at Farmers Markets
Before You Go
- Call ahead or check the market's website to confirm they accept EBT. Our EBT markets directory can help you find participating locations.
- Know your EBT card balance before arriving. You can check by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your state's benefits portal.
- Bring cash as a backup for items that are not SNAP-eligible, like prepared foods or crafts.
At the Market
- Arrive early for the best selection — popular items sell out fast.
- Ask vendors if they grow their own produce. Many farmers are happy to share growing tips and recipe ideas.
- Do not hesitate to ask the market manager questions. They are there to help and want you to have a good experience.
- Start with a small transaction to get comfortable with the token system before spending more.
Maximizing Your Benefits
- Shop seasonally. In-season produce is more abundant, higher quality, and often priced lower. Check our seasonal produce calendar for what is at peak each month.
- Buy in bulk when prices are good and preserve extras by freezing, canning, or drying.
- Ask about "ugly" produce or end-of-day discounts — many vendors offer reduced prices on imperfect items or near closing time.
- Always ask about Double Up or matching programs. Free money for fresh produce is too good to pass up.
Finding EBT-Friendly Markets Near You
The number of farmers markets accepting SNAP/EBT has more than quadrupled since 2009. To find markets near you that accept EBT benefits, search our EBT markets directory or use our search tool to filter by payment methods. You can also browse markets by state to explore what is available in your area.
Supporting farmers markets with your SNAP benefits is a win for everyone: you get the freshest food available, local farmers earn a fair price, and your community grows stronger.