Get SNAP Double Bucks at Mecklenburg County Farmers’ Markets
COVID-19 notice: Please note that farmers markets are considered essential services and are open and accepting SNAP and Double Bucks at this time. For more information on how markets are implementing safety procedures, see our video (en español), or information from the health department.
What is SNAP Double Bucks? SNAP users can get tokens for purchases at farmers markets that will let them double their SNAP spending at the markets, up to $20 per day. SNAP users do not need to enroll for Double Bucks – just bring your EBT card to participating markets (see these below).
What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called Food and Nutrition Services) provides low income residents with money to purchase certain foods and products. More information about the program and how to enroll is here.
How this Works
The SNAP and Double Bucks process at the markets:
• Each participating market has a SNAP EBT payment terminal
• Customers swipe their EBT card at the market booth to purchase market tokens, with a $1 for $1 match via Double Bucks. The tokens are then used at individual market vendors in the same
way a cash transaction would be made.
• Maximum match of $20 per household, per market days
Where this Works
| The Bulb Mobile Market Year-round Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Click here for locations. | Deep Roots CPS Farm Year-round Various markets Click here for locations. |
| Matthews Community Market 188 North Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105 Year-round 8 am till noon: 4/6/20 – 11/21/20 main season 8 till 10 am: 12/5/20 – 4/3/21 winter season https://www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com | Plaza Midwood Farmers Market 2007 Commonwealth Ave Saturday 10am-1pm https://www.facebook.com/plazamidwoodfarmersmarket |
| Seeds for Change Farmers Market (in process) 2901 Romare Bearden Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208 May – September, November – February Saturday, 9am – 12pm | South End Market at Atherton 235 West Tremont Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203 Year-round Saturday, 8am – 1pm Click here for adjusted winter schedule. |
| University City Farmers Market – Opens Oct 3 Along the lake at The Shoppes at University Place Saturdays, 8am – 1pm https://www.facebook.com/univcitymkt | Uptown Farmers Market 301 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 April – October Saturday, 8am – 12pm https://www.uptownfarmersmarket.com |
Whose program is this?
CMFPC is working with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and City of Charlotte to provide financial assistance for SNAP users interested in purchasing produce at farmers’ markets in Mecklenburg County.
Why are we supporting this program?
Double Bucks has been shown to increase SNAP usage on fresh and healthy food through:
• Increased number of Farmers’ Markets accepting SNAP
• Improved SNAP awareness and enrollment
• Greater SNAP utilization at Farmers’ Markets
Studies show that SNAP Double Bucks at farmers’ markets can increase purchases of fruits and vegetables, and that SNAP alone improves health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
Supporting farmers markets also strengthens our local food economy and supports small businesses:
• Every Double Bucks dollar is going into the hand of a local farmer
• Traffic at Farmers’ Markets increases and encourages overall spending
Have questions about the program or suggestions?
Email us at foodaccess@charlottefoodpolicy.org
This project is generously funded by the following organizations:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield NC, the American Heart Association, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department
