Program Now Matches SNAP Dollars At Farmers Markets Up To $10

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – An organization working to end hunger in Minnesota is reminding SNAP users that an updated program now matches SNAP dollars spent at farmers markets up to $10.

The program is called Market Bucks, and it's currently being accepted at these eight winter-ready farmers markets: Kingfield Farmers Market (Minneapolis); Maple Grove Farmers Market; Mill City Farmers Market (Minneapolis); Northeast Farmers Market (Minneapolis); Hutchinson Farmers Market; Rochester Downtown Farmers Market; Twin Cities Mobile Market; and the St. Paul Downtown Farmers Market.

The Market Bucks program works to expand the purchasing power of SNAP users to buy locally-grown fruits and vegetables, according to Hunger Solutions, the organization that administers the program.

As part of the "Healthy Eating Here at Home" bill, which passed the state Legislature last year, the program saw its dollar match incentive jump to $10. This not only helps SNAP users, Hunger Solutions says, but it also helps local farmers sell their products.

Along with the dollar match part of the program, SNAP users can also get $10 gift cards for use at farmers markets at food shelves and through SNAP Education.

To learn more about the Market Bucks program, click here.