Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, local food. Fresh Bucks helps lower-income community members stretch their dollars, making healthy food more affordable. The Fresh Bucks program is open to all islanders living at or below 200% of the Federal poverty level. Program participants receive $40 per week in tokens to spend on food items at the San Juan Island Farmers Market
HOW IT WORKS
1. Go to the San Juan Island Farmers Market booth on Saturdays through October between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm.
2. Receive up to $40 in Fresh Bucks per week.
3. Shop for EBT-eligible food items: fresh produce, meat, eggs, bread, cheese, and plant starts.
WHY FRESH BUCKS?
Fresh Bucks supports access to healthy food choices and reduces food insecurity. More reasons the Fresh Bucks program makes sense include:
The program provides low-income community members the opportunity to buy locally grown foods, improves food access for all, and supports local growers/producers.
These positive outcomes bring more users to the Farmers Market, generating business in the local community. The USDA estimates that every $1.00 of supplemental nutrition assistance generates $1.79 in economic stimulus.
HOW DO I QUALIFY?
If you think you may be income-eligible for Fresh Bucks you can fill out an application online or in person at the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, San Juan County Health and Community Services, and on Saturdays at the Farmers Market Manager booth.
