SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
Get Help Buying Food
SNAP is a federally funded program administered by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). This program offers monthly support to help Minnesotans stretch their grocery budgets and buy healthy food. While it doesn’t cover all food costs, it provides essential backup during times of temporary or ongoing need.
Questions, or want to see if you’re eligible? Contact the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or use the SNAP screener tool to see if you qualify.
I’m eligible, what’s next?
Visit the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Family to apply online for SNAP benefits and see full program details.
If you’re having trouble filling out an application online, call or text the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 to have an application sent to you in the mail.
Market Bucks
Using Market Bucks
- Head to the market’s Information Booth.
- Swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend.
- Get up to $10 in free Market Bucks to match your purchase.
- Shop for up to $20 of fresh, SNAP-eligible foods!
Tip: Many markets operate year-round, so you can shop local through every season!
Find a participating farmers market with our Find Help Map
What Your SNAP & Market Bucks Buy
- Fruits & vegetables
- Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy
- Honey and maple products
- Jams, jellies, pickles, and sauces
- Baked goods
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Basics
What is Market Bucks?
Market Bucks is a program to stretch your SNAP-EBT purchases at farmers markets that participate. Spend $10 on your EBT card, get $20 free!
What is SNAP-EBT?
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal food assistance program. Benefits are placed on an electronic benefits transfer card (EBT) similar to a debit card. To see if you likely qualify for SNAP, use our SNAP Screening Tool or call us at the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.
What is a farmers market?
A farmers market is a food market where local farmers sell their products directly to people in the community. Most markets are open once a week from May or June to October. Some markets are open multiple days.
Finding a Location & Getting Started
How do I know if my local market accepts Market Bucks?
There are a few ways to find a participating farmers market. You can:
- Call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.
- Find a market on the Find Help Map.
Where do I go to get Market Bucks?
Go to the information or welcome tent at participating markets to get Market Bucks. If you can’t find the info tent, ask a market vendor and they can point you in the right direction.
What do I need to bring to get Market Bucks?
All you need is your Minnesota SNAP-EBT card.
Do I have to sign up for Market Bucks?
No, all you need is to take your SNAP-EBT card to a participating farmers market during their open hours.
Using Market Bucks & Shopping Guidelines
Do I have to spend my own SNAP-EBT in order to get Market Bucks?
Yes. Market Bucks match up to the first $10 of SNAP-EBT you spend dollar-for-dollar. So if you spend $6 on your EBT card, you get $6 in Market Bucks. If you spend $12 on your EBT card, you will get $10 in Market Bucks.
What do farmers markets sell?
A farmers market is a food market where local farmers sell their products directly to people in the community. Most markets are open once a week from May or June to October. Some markets are open multiple days.
What can I buy with Market Bucks?
With your Market Bucks cards, you can buy any SNAP-eligible food available at the farmers market. These include fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, baked goods, and seeds and plants that produce food.
Do I have to spend all of the Market Bucks and tokens at one time?
No. You can use the tokens at the same farmers market any day they are open. You can also use Market Bucks at any participating market any time before they expire!
Can I use Market Bucks every week?
Yes. You can spend your EBT dollars at farmers markets and get up to the first $10 you spend matched Market Bucks each time you visit a participating market.
Do Market Bucks expire?
Yes, Market Bucks expire at the end of the farmers market season on Oct. 31st. Winter Market Bucks expire at the end of the winter farmers market season on April 30th.