Fresh Bucks 2 for 1 Farmers Market Program

If you or someone you know could use help affording fresh fruits and vegetables this season, I want to let you know about the Fresh Bucks program, which provides matching funds for food stamp users buying fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.  It supports people on food stamps getting fresh produce instead of packaged foods (which can be easier to access and cheaper, but less healthy) and stretches your food budget, while supporting local farmers. If you use SNAP, here's more info on how to use the program.

The Fresh Bucks program provides up to a $10 bonus match, for a minimum of $10 of EBT benefits redeemed, at participating Seattle-area Farmers Markets:

The program is available at 15 Seattle farmers markets and 2 farm stands including:

Tues	City Hall – Tues, 10am-2pm; 4th Ave between James & Cherry
Wed	Pioneer Square – Wed, 10am-2pm; Occidental Ave S & S Washington St Columbia City – Wed, 3pm-7pm; Edmunds St between 37th Ave & the Alley at 36th Wallingford – Wed, 3:30pm-7pm; Meridian Park, corner of N 50th and Meridian Ave N High Point Farm Stand - Wed, 4pm-7pm; 32nd Ave SW and SW Juneau St
Thu	South Lake Union – Thurs, 10am-2pm; Terry Ave between Republican & Harrison Lake City – Thurs, 2:30pm-7:30pm; NE 125th and 28th Ave NE Queen Anne – Thurs, 3pm-7pm; Queen Anne Ave & West Crockett St
Fri	Phinney – Fri, 3pm-7pm; 67th and Phinney Ave N Madrona – Fri, 3pm-7pm; Madrona Grocery Outlet, MLK & E Union St NewHolly Farm Stand– Fri, 4pm-7pm; 42nd S & S Rockery
Weekend Markets	Pike Place Market – Fri-Sun, 8am-4pm; Farmers Market University District – Sat, 9am-2pm; University Way NE & NE 50th St Magnolia – Sat, 10am-2pm; W McGraw St at 33rd Ave W Ballard – Sun, 10am-3pm; Ballard Ave, between Vernon Pl & 22nd Ave West Seattle – Sun, 10am-2pm; 4th Ave SW & SW Alaska St Broadway – Sun, 11am-3pm; Broadway Ave E & E Pine St

When you swipe your EBT card at the farmers market info booth, you will be given up to a $10 bonus match for a minimum of $10 of EBT you use at the market.  This program started the week of July 8^th and will end October 31.  Last year the city piloted the Fresh Bucks program at 7 farmers markets and it was so popular and successful they expanded the program this year to all 17 farmers markets in the city of Seattle. For low-income individuals, cost is a barrier to eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fresh Bucks helps reduce that burden while supporting the local economy.

• Find the Fresh Bucks sign at the Market’s Info Tent
• Swipe your benefits card and receive matching funds in Fresh Bucks currency
• Buy more fresh fruits and vegetables

For more information visit wafarmersmarkets.com/freshbucks or email freshbucks@wafarmersmarkets.com.