SNAP & Virginia Fresh Match

 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Did you know that you can use your EBT (SNAP) at the Farmers Market?  It’s easy!

  • Stop by the Market Central booth, and swipe your card

  • Receive the dollar amount that you designate in wooden market tokens to spend at the market

  • When you get SNAP tokens, you’ll also receive a matching dollar amount in Fresh Match coupons to spend along with the tokens, up to $50 for fresh fruits and vegetables!

  • Vendors are not allowed to give change for SNAP tokens.

Click on the video to the right to learn about SNAP and Fresh Match

Common questions about SNAP & Fresh Match:

What are some SNAP foods I can find at the Farmers Market at Ix?

  • Fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, herbs, bread, and other baked goods.

What can I buy with Fresh Match coupons?

  • Fruit and vegetables, edible plants and seeds

Can I use my SNAP tokens and Fresh Match at other local markets?

  • No, both programs are run through Market Central and must be used at the Farmers Market at Ix.

Do SNAP Tokens expire?

  • No, you can save them for future use.

Do Fresh Match coupons expire?

  • Yes, the coupons must be used by the end of December

Why Buy at a Farmers Market?

Market Central Currency

For CREDIT & DEBIT card users:

  • Swipe your card for the desired amount in $5 increments (we’ll add a one dollar convenience fee to cover the bank fees and administrative costs)

  • Receive $5 tokens to spend like cash throughout the market

  • Change can be given for these tokens

  • Tokens are good throughout the season

Want to give a market gift certificate?   We’ve got them at our table – just stop by for details!

Locally grown food = Fresh food

Food grown locally is sold to you soon after harvest when the nutrition is at its highest. This means better nutrients for you, delicious flavor and a longer shelf life than produce that has traveled to get to a store.

Your money stays in the local economy

Every penny you spend goes to your farmer. This leads to economic security for our farmers, job creation, and the preservation of rural lands.

variety of produce

Farmers markets have a wide variety of produce. Get adventurous! If you want to try something new, ask your farmer how to prepare or use this resource from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency.