Using SNAP/EBT at farmers markets

Farmers markets that are authorized SNAP retailers take SNAP benefits on your EBT card. At many markets you use the card a little differently than in a store, and some markets add extra money for fruit and vegetables. This guide explains how it works.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Farmers Markets Accepting SNAP Benefits

Find a market that takes SNAP

USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator lists every authorized retailer. Enter your address, city or ZIP code, then filter the results to "Farmers and Markets".

On Ripe & Local, use the SNAP/EBT filter. A market page shows a SNAP/EBT badge when the market is on USDA's list of authorized SNAP retailers or reported taking SNAP in its USDA directory listing. Markets change, so check with the market if you're not sure.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP Retailer Locator

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Farmers Markets Accepting SNAP Benefits

At the market

Many markets have one card reader at a central booth. You choose an amount, your EBT card is charged, and you get the market's tokens or paper scrip in whole dollars to spend at the stalls.
Some markets use receipts instead: the vendor holds your food, you pay at the booth, and you bring the receipt back to collect it.
SNAP tokens buy only SNAP-eligible food. If you have tokens left over, the market must be able to refund them to your EBT card.
Some farmers take SNAP at their own stall on a phone or tablet. Every SNAP purchase needs your PIN, wherever you pay.
If your card also carries cash benefits, such as TANF, scrip bought with those cash benefits isn't limited to food.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Scrip System (Paper Scrip, Token, or Receipts)

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP EBT Equipment Resources

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Smartphones and Tablets

What you can buy

SNAP covers food for your household: fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, bread and cereals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. It also covers seeds and plants that grow food.

It doesn't cover alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements, most live animals, food that's hot when you buy it, or things that aren't food, such as soap, paper goods or pet food.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, What Can SNAP Buy?

Extra money for fruit and vegetables

Some markets match what you spend with SNAP, as extra tokens or coupons for fruit and vegetables. USDA's Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) funds projects that give SNAP shoppers incentives at the point of purchase to buy more fruit and vegetables. Each program sets its own rules, so ask at the market booth.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Attracting SNAP Customers to Your Farmers Market

Source: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, GusNIP: Nutrition Incentive Program

Two examples, as the programs describe themselves:

Double Up Food Bucks (Michigan). Fruit and vegetables bought with SNAP are matched dollar for dollar, and anyone on SNAP qualifies. At Michigan farmers markets you get Double Up tokens at the information booth; they're for Michigan-grown fruit and vegetables and don't expire.
Market Match (California). CalFresh spending at farmers markets is matched dollar for dollar. Most markets match up to $15, and some match more. Market Match tokens buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and plant starts for food.

Source: Double Up Food Bucks (Michigan), How Double Up Works

Source: Market Match (Ecology Center), FAQ

More help

If you get WIC or are 60 or older, see WIC and senior farmers market benefits. For what's in season, see the seasonal produce guide.