Farmers’ markets are a great place to shop locally throughout the seasons. What you may not know is that many farmers markets accept SNAP/FNS benefits in North Carolina.

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as “food stamps”). In North Carolina, SNAP is also referred to as FNS (Food and Nutrition Services). This program provides access to nutritious food for many families statewide.

This page discusses how you can use your SNAP benefits at the farmers markets as well as some tips on how to choose the best produce and how to stretch your food budget.

In Orange County, we have three farmers’ markets that accept SNAP benefits.

• Carrboro Farmers’ Market, 301 W Main Street, Carrboro, https://www.carrborofarmersmarket.com/ 
• The Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market, 201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, https://www.thechapelhillfarmersmarket.com/
• Eno River Farmers’ Market, 144 E Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, https://www.enoriverfarmersmarket.com/

All three markets also participate in the Double Bucks Program. If you participate in any of the following programs, you can get Double Bucks to double your purchase power up to $50 to purchase fresh food at the farmers market:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP)
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

EBT Card

If you apply for SNAP/FNS in North Carolina and are approved to receive benefits, you will be sent an EBT card. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and it works just like a debit card does: the difference is that you can only use your EBT card to purchase food items. Other items such as foods for pets, alcoholic beverages and cleaning supplies are not eligible.

You can use your EBT card to buy food at most grocery and convenience stores, some gas stations and even at some local farmers markets.

Why Buy at the Farmers Markets?

There are many reasons why you should consider purchasing produce at your local farmers markets. Research shows that farmers’ market prices are similar to those at grocery stores and sometimes are even cheaper, because you’re buying directly from the farmer. During the prime growing season, some farmers will often offer discounts when you buy large quantities.

Another important reason is that all vendors participating at the farmers’ markets must follow strict rules and laws for product handling and display. So, it is very safe to purchase your produce from your local vendors, just don’t forget to wash your fruits and vegetables before consuming them.

The produce at the farmers’ markets can also be fresher than the produce found at the grocery store, and you can find a better variety as well. And by giving your business to your local farmers, you will also be helping your community’s economy. 

Market Scrip

Most farmers’ markets will not accept your EBT card as is. Instead, they will expect you to exchange your money for what they call market scrip. The scrip will correspond to the amount of money you choose to purchase any produce at the market. You can read more about market scrip here.

Here are the steps you need to take If you choose to use your benefits at any of your local farmers markets:

1. Find which local farmers markets in your area accept EBT. Your local Extension office is a great resource for this. Find their contact information here!
2. Look for a welcome table at the front of the market. That is usually where you would swipe your EBT card and receive market scrip equaling the dollar amount back. Decide beforehand how much of your benefits you would like to spend.
3. Look for vendors who accept the market scrip and the SNAP benefits. Give them your market scrip in exchange for the produce you want to buy. Keep in mind that tokens and other market scrip cannot be exchanged for cash.
4. To save as much money as possible, consider purchasing produce in bulk and what is currently in season. If you buy in bulk, many fruits and vegetables can be canned or frozen!

Other Farmers Market Programs

Many markets now offer incentives through different programs. These programs are a great support to farmers, and they help consumers stretch their household food budgets. Some of these programs are:

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: This program provides low-income seniors in participating counties with coupons to exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit: www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program

WIC: Provides vouchers to women, infants and children to purchase only fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit: www.ncdhhs.gov/ncfmnp

Double Up Bucks: Double Up helps you bring home more healthy food by matching your SNAP, or food stamps, dollars spent on fresh fruits and veggies. If you receive SNAP benefits, you’re automatically eligible for Double Up Food Bucks. For more information, visit: www.doubleupamerica.org

SNAP Assistance

If you would like to learn more about SNAP or want assistance applying, you can contact the More In My Basket team toll free at 1-855-240-1451 (for assistance in English and Portuguese) and at 1-888-382-7105 (for assistance in Spanish).

The More In My Basket program has been serving North Carolina residents for the past 15 years. They offer free phone appointments to answer questions, conduct SNAP eligibility screenings and even guide you through the application process.

You can also find more SNAP-related information on their website at morefood.org.

There are over 235 farmers markets across North Carolina, and each year, more and more of them begin to accept SNAP/FNS benefits. To find a full list of farmers markets across the state, please visit: www.ncfarmfresh.com/farmmarkets.asp

Sources: https://www.morefood.org/using-snap/snap-farmers-market/

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/scrip-system#:~:text=A%20scrip%20system%20uses%20a,to%20shop%20at%20the%20market.

Claro, J. (January 2011). Vermont Farmers’ Markets and Grocery Stores: A Price Comparison. Retrieved from https:nofavt.org/sites/default/files/uploads/FarmersMarkets/nofa_fm_price_study.pdf