How to Use SNAP and EBT at Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are one of the best ways to stretch SNAP benefits, and thousands of markets across the country accept them. Here is how to shop with an EBT card at the market.

How it works

Most markets that take SNAP use a token system. You visit the market's info booth or manager, swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend, and receive wooden or plastic tokens. You then spend those tokens with any participating vendor, just like cash. Vendors turn the tokens back in to be reimbursed.

Double Up Food Bucks

Many markets run a nutrition-incentive program, often called Double Up Food Bucks, that matches your SNAP dollars when you buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Spend $10 in SNAP and you might get another $10 to spend on produce, often up to a daily cap. It is free money for fresh food, so ask the info booth if your market offers it.

What you can and cannot buy

SNAP covers foods you take home to eat: fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, bread, honey, jam, and plants that produce food. It does not cover hot prepared foods eaten at the market, or non-food items like soap and cut flowers.

Find a market that accepts SNAP

Browse farmers markets that accept SNAP and EBT by state to find a participating market near you.