Fresh Bucks, which doubles the value of food stamp benefits when used to purchase fresh food at Seattle farmers markets, will expand to all of Seattle’s farmers markets, thanks to new funding from the city.
The Seattle City Council last week adopted a budget amendment to add $50,000 to the Fresh Bucks program, which began in 2012 as a pilot project at seven farmers markets: Columbia City, Lake City, Phinney, University District, Magnolia, Broadway and West Seattle. (“A plan to produce,” RC, Sept. 5, 2012)
Those who spend a minimum of $10 on fruits and veggies using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT cards will receive an additional $10 in Fresh Bucks for more fruits and vegetables at the markets.
The printed cards are available to EBT cardholders and accepted for payment at all farmers markets in Seattle.
According to Fresh Bucks, the 2012 pilot helped nearly 1,500 low-income shoppers, including 900 who had never shopped at farmers markets before.