Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT)
The Holly Springs Farmers Market is pleased to offer SNAP to our customers along with a "Double Bucks" match for fresh produce, courtesy of UNC Health.
Here's how the program works:
- If you have SNAP benefits, stop by the farmers market information tent and tell the market managers how much you'd like to spend at the market.
- We will swipe your benefits card and give you $1 or $5 wooden tokens to spend just like cash at the market. We will also match what you spend (up to $20) in Double Bucks tokens, which may be spent on fresh produce.
- As an example, if you want to spend $10 at the market, we will give you $10 in tokens to spend at any eligible market vendor AND $10 to spend on produce.
- We are adding more vendors to the program every week! You can use the tokens at any vendor that has a SNAP/EBT sign. No change can be given, but you can combine tokens and cash to pay for your order.
- The tokens never expire, so feel free to save them for your next visit. The HSFM tokens can only be spent at our market.
What can I buy using SNAP/EBT at the farmers market?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat including beef, poultry, pork, ostrich, seafood, and goat
- Eggs
- Dairy products including goat milk cheese and fudge - and almond milk
- Condiments such as honey, preserves, olive oil, vinegar, syrups, salsa, pickles, mustard, and sauces
- Multi-serving foods such as:
- baked goods - eg: a dozen cookies, loaves of bread, and baking mixes
- snacks - eg: bag of nuts, a box of candy
- beverages - eg: bag of coffee beans
- Foods you will "eat later" such as:
- a whole cake you would slice at home
- a tray of ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls
- frozen pasta
The USDA specifies that households cannot use SNAP/EBT benefits to buy:
- All nonfood items such as:
- Pet foods and treats
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies
- Hygiene items, cosmetics
- Beer, wine, liquor, or other alcohol
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale such as a breakfast sandwich
- Single-serving or "eat it now" items such as a cup of lemonade or coffee, a single cookie, a bag of kettle corn, a sandwich
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
Learn more about the USDA SNAP program here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
Information about how to sign up for the SNAP program: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps
DOUBLE BUCKS
Thanks to our grant partners, we are excited to offer Double Bucks to our SNAP customers.
- As an example, if you want to spend $10 at the market, we will give you $10 in tokens to spend at any eligible market vendor AND $10 to spend on produce.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior FMNP
In addition to SNAP/EBT, many vendors accept the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior (SFMNP) checks. Customers may use their checks with vendors who sell fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables. To spend your check, simply hand the check to the person selling the fruit or vegetables and use it just like cash. Remember: you cannot collect change from the vendor during the transaction.
