Food Assistance Programs

SNAP/EBT/Bridge Card/Food Stamps:
Who is eligible:
Income-qualified, as determined by MI Dept of Human Services (DHS)
How it works:
Bring your SNAP Bridge Card to a main booth at the farmers’ market and a cashier will swipe it for the amount you designate, and give you wooden tokens for that market in that amount to be spent at the market. Tokens don’t have to be spent the same day.
When it’s available:
Anytime the farmers’ market is open; Contact: DHS

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB):
Who is eligible:
Anyone with a SNAP/EBT Bridge Card
How it works:
When you swipe your SNAP card, you receive an equivalent dollar amount in metal tokens worth $2 each, up to $20 per market day. For example, if you spend $8 on your SNAP card, you get $8 more in DUFB- or $16 to spend at the market.
When it’s available:
June 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011
Contact: Rachel Chadderdon, Fair Food Network (734) 213 3999 x 206
www.doubleupfoodbucks.org; rchadderdon@fairfoodnetwork.org

WIC Project FRESH:
Who is eligible:
WIC participants must contact the WIC office on or after June 1st to sign up (first come, first serve)
How it works:
Paper coupons are distributed at markets on specified times & dates with accompanying nutrition education; coupons can be used for fresh MI produce with participating farmers.
When it’s available:
Coupon sign up June; coupon distribution July-Aug; coupons are valid until October 31, 2011
Contact: WIC (734) 544-6800

Market Fresh (used to be Senior Project Fresh):
Who is eligible:
Washtenaw County residents who are at least 60 years old and income-qualified (185% of poverty or less); Washtenaw County residents under 60 years old living in a senior high rise
How it works:
Coupons are distributed by the Washtenaw County Health Department. Bring the paper coupons to participating farmers’ markets and use them to purchase fresh MI produce, herbs and honey.
When it’s available:
June 1, 2011 – October 31, 2011
Contact: Washtenaw County Public Health (734) 544-6700; bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org

Do you think you might be eligible to receive SNAP/EBT/food stamp benefits?

Food Gatherers can help you sign up. For dates and times visit us at www.foodgatherers.org/foodstamps or call Flannery at 734-945-6363 to schedule an appointment.

Looking for other markets that participate in these programs outside of Washtenaw County? Visit www.mifma.org for a full list of Michigan farmers markets from the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).