SNAP Double Bucks
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council is partnered with Mecklenburg County Public Health Department to provide financial assistance to SNAP users who shop at farmers markets by doubling their SNAP spend up to $50 each market visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 $50 limit). SNAP users do not need to enroll for Double Bucks – just bring your EBT card to participating markets
Hoes does the SNAP Double Bucks Program Work?
There is no registration required to participate in the program.
Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible.
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Customer visits the market welcome table to swipe their SNAP/EBT card at the SNAP/EBT machine for how much they would like to spend during the market visit.
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Customer receives wooden tokens to shop with at SNAP-qualified vendors equal to double the amount they spent on their EBT card up to $50 per market day.
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Customer then buys any SNAP-approved foods using the tokens similar to a cash transaction however no change can be given. Customers can take home any tokens they do not spend and use them on a different market day.
A customer can receive these benefits one per day during any market day. Tokens can only be spent at the market they were received from (they are branded for market identification).
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
