Market Bucks
Matching SNAP dollars to nourish our community with fresh, local food.
We partner with farmers markets to offer Market Bucks, doubling SNAP recipients’ buying power.
This matching program helps families stretch their dollars further and brings fresh, healthy, local food within reach.
Use SNAP?
Learn how to double your food budget at a local market near you. Contact The Minnesota Food Helpline at 1.888.711.1151
How to Become a Market Bucks Vendor
Step 1: Get Authorized for SNAP
Step 2: Apply for Market Bucks
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Rules, Caps & Vouchers
Is there a cap to how many Market Bucks can be used at my market?
No. The Food Group will reimburse your market for the total number of Market Bucks redeemed throughout the season, as long as they are logged into the online portal at https://bit.ly/Market-Bucks by the 15th of the following month.
How many Market Bucks can I get?
As many as you want! We will reimburse markets using Market Bucks monthly, and there is no cap on the number of Market Bucks you can use.
What’s the deal with the gift certificates?
As part of the Legislative funding for Market Bucks, some of the funding is set aside for incentives to encourage people to try out the farmers market. If funding allows, gift certificates will be distributed to SNAP households and are meant to be used in innovative ways to get new SNAP/EBT users to your market.
What do I do if someone comes to me with an expired gift certificate or voucher?
Since the funding available for the gift certificates is limited, once a gift certificate or voucher is past its expiration date it is no longer valid. Let the customer know the card is expired, but encourage them to use their SNAP-EBT card to purchase tokens and get the regular Market Bucks match.
Market Operations, Supplies & Technical Support
My market doesn’t have an EBT card reader. Can I still take Market Bucks?
No. You have to be able to accept SNAP-EBT in order to participate in Market Bucks. The state of Minnesota has an agreement with FIS, our state’s EBT processor, to provide free wireless equipment to farmers markets around the state.
I need help with my card reader / accounting / staffing / sponsorship / other technical issues. Can you help?
No, but we can point you to some resources to help. For technical assistance on other aspects of running a farmers market, the Minnesota Farmers Market Association can help. The Food Group only administers the Market Bucks portion of farmers markets.
How do I get materials or more Market Bucks cards throughout the season?
If you need more marketing materials or Market Bucks cards, please email Stephanie at [email protected]
Outreach, Messaging & Community Engagement
How do I do outreach to my community? Who should I be reaching out to?
Reach out to organizations where people go for help or information in your local area. In addition to where you market your farmers market, be sure to reach out to local social services agencies – like Community Action, WIC offices, health care providers, and your local food shelf. Libraries and community centers are also a good place to leave information. Your local public health department or SNAP-Ed educator may also have good ideas on ways you can promote the program. Contact The Food Group if you need contacts.
Fliers, location lists and posters are all available for FREE. Please email Stephanie at [email protected]
I have a great idea for outreach, but don’t have the time to do it. Can you help?
We know that running a farmers market sometimes doesn’t leave a lot of time to promote Market Bucks. If you have a brilliant idea, let us know. We might be able to help you spread the word.
How should I respond to community concerns or misconceptions about Market Bucks?
Every situation is different. Generally, when people are opposed to Market Bucks, we remind them that Market Bucks are a “win-win-win” for customers, vendors, and the community.
- Market Bucks help people who aren’t able to afford much fresh produce to purchase healthier items; and,
- Most farmers market vendors are small, local farmers. Participating in Market Bucks means they sell more of their products.
- Market Bucks and SNAP are good for the community. In 2022, the program generated over $1.5 million in economic activity across the state.
Data, Reporting & Account Access
How do I record and report the data?
The Food Group has a sample tracking form that you can use at the EBT/info booth to track how many Market Bucks you have distributed and redeemed. Enter the data through the online portal to submit it to us for reimbursement.
I forgot my reporting login. How do I reset it?
Email Stephanie ([email protected]) and she can resend your login for the reporting system.
Market Bucks Reimbursement Process for Farmers Markets
There is no cost for a market to join the program. The Food Group will fully reimburse your market for all redeemed Market Bucks logged into the online portal by the 15th of the following month.
Step 1: Submit Your Data
