Fresh produce and farmers markets are for everyone! At many Detroit Community Markets, they accept a variety of alternative currencies to make local food available to all. Plus, accepting these payment options increases demand for produce from nearby businesses and keeps the money in the community.
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Learn how to use SNAP and other Alternative Currencies at your Detroit Community Farmers Market with the guide below!
SNAP/ Bridge Card
What is SNAP? How is SNAP different from EBT or a Bridge Card? SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is the largest anti-hunger program in the US. These benefits are provided to eligible through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, that acts like a debit card. In Michigan, these cards have the Mackinac Bridge on them, which is why they are commonly referred to as a Bridge Card.
Who is eligible for SNAP? Individuals and families with low income.
How does SNAP work? Individuals apply to receive SNAP benefits through their state agency. They have to verify their information and conduct an eligibility interview. If eligible, individuals receive a Bridge Card that is automatically loaded with benefits on a monthly basis. The Bridge Card works like a debit card.
What can I buy with SNAP? SNAP can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, bread and baked goods, dairy products, food producing seeds and plants, and more. Here is the list of eligible food items.
How to Apply for SNAP?: Individuals can apply online, in person, or by phone. Find the information here. Gleaners of Detroit has a helpful resource page here.
How to use SNAP at a farmers market? Individuals can bring their Bridge cards to the info booth or market office at most participating markets. They are able to receive a chosen amount of tokens to use at the market booths. These tokens can be used as cash at vendors selling food items.
Which Detroit Community Markets accept SNAP? JEFFERSON CHALMERS FARMERS MARKET, EASTERN MARKET, BROTHER NATURE FARM STAND, SOWING SEEDS GROWING FUTURES , GREEN BOOTS VETERAN COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE, HOPE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET , PALMER PARK FARMERS MARKET , WAYNE STATE FARMERS MARKET , THE CONGREGATION FARMERS MARKET, NORTHWEST DETROIT FARMERS MARKET, MELDRUM FRESH MARKET , BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE , CWO FARMSTAND , D-TOWN FARM STAND , OAKLAND AVE FARMERS MARKET , LOVE N LABOR FARM, DEEPLY ROOTED PRODUCE (CSA) , PEACHES & GREENS , KEEP GROWING DETROIT ONLINE STORE
Double Up Food Bucks
What is Double Up Food Bucks? The Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of Bridge Card dollars spent at participating farmers markets up to $20 dollars, once per day.
Who is Eligible for Double Up Food Bucks? Anyone eligible for SNAP with an EBT/Bridge Card.
How does Double Up Food Bucks work? When a Bridge Card participant asks for $20 in to spend on eligible food products, they receive an additional $20 in DUFB coins to spend on Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables – for a total of $40. DUFB tokens are silver coins valued at $2.00 each. DUFB participants can only use these tokens to purchase Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables. Learn more about how it works here.
What can I buy with Double Up Food Bucks? Michigan grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
How to Apply for Double Up Food Bucks? Any SNAP/EBT/Bridge user is eligible to use DUFB at participating Farmers Markets. Find participating DUFB locations here.
How to use Double Up Food Bucks at a Farmers Market? DUFB users can head to the info booth at participating markets to redeem their SNAP funds as well as Double Up Food Buck tokens. These coins can be used as cash as individual vendor booths for Michigan grown fruits and vegetables.
Which Detroit Community Markets accept Double Up Food Bucks? JEFFERSON CHALMERS FARMERS MARKET , EASTERN MARKET , BROTHER NATURE FARM STAND , SOWING SEEDS GROWING FUTURES , HOPE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET , WAYNE STATE FARMERS MARKET , THE CONGREGATION FARMERS MARKET, NORTHWEST DETROIT FARMERS MARKET, MELDRUM FRESH MARKET , BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE , D-TOWN FARM STAND , OAKLAND AVE FARMERS MARKET , DEEPLY ROOTED PRODUCE (CSA) , PEACHES & GREENS , KEEP GROWING DETROIT ONLINE STORE
WIC Project FRESH
What is WIC Project Fresh? The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is known in Michigan as Project FRESH and administered by the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. This program is an initiative run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. More information can be found here.
Who is Eligible for WIC Project FRESH? Women with children up to age five
How does WIC Project FRESH work? Women and children enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) can receive coupons for Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables.
What can I buy with WIC Project FRESH coupons? Michigan grown fruits and vegetables
How to Apply for WIC Project FRESH? Enrolled WIC clients, excluding infants, may be eligible to receive a $25 booklet containing five, $5 coupons to be used June 1st through October 31st in the year the booklet is issued. It is the responsibility of the WIC local agency staff to identify eligible clients and issue coupons at either the local WIC agencies, farmers’ markets, or roadside stands. Find your Michigan WIC office here.
How to use WIC Project FRESH coupons at a Farmers Market? Head to the info booth at your market to use these benefits.
Which Detroit Community Markets accept WIC Project FRESH? JEFFERSON CHALMERS FARMERS MARKET, EASTERN MARKET, BROTHER NATURE FARM STAND , SOWING SEEDS GROWING FUTURES , HOPE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET , PALMER PARK FARMERS MARKET , WAYNE STATE FARMERS MARKET , THE CONGREGATION FARMERS MARKET, MELDRUM FRESH MARKET , BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE , D-TOWN FARM STAND , OAKLAND AVE FARMERS MARKET , DEEPLY ROOTED PRODUCE (CSA) , PEACHES & GREENS
Senior Project FRESH
What is Senior Project FRESH? This program is aimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age. More info can be found here.
Who is Eligible for Senior Project FRESH? Residents who are aged 60 or older with a total household income of $25,142 or less for an individual, or $33,874 for a couple, are eligible to apply for the program.
What can I buy with Senior Project FRESH? Any Michigan grown fruit or vegetable. See the full eligibility list here.
How does Senior Project FRESH work? Participants receive free nutrition education and $25 in coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
How to Apply for Senior Project FRESH? If you think you are eligible and would like to participate, you can reach out to your local lead agency coupon distribution site here.
How to use Senior Project FRESH at a Farmers Market? Head to the info booth at your market to use these benefits.
Which Detroit Community Markets accept Senior Project FRESH? JEFFERSON CHALMERS FARMERS MARKET , EASTERN MARKET , BROTHER NATURE FARM STAND , SOWING SEEDS GROWING FUTURES , HOPE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET , PALMER PARK FARMERS MARKET , WAYNE STATE FARMERS MARKET , THE CONGREGATION FARMERS MARKET, MELDRUM FRESH MARKET , BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE , D-TOWN FARM STAND , OAKLAND AVE FARMERS MARKET , DEEPLY ROOTED PRODUCE (CSA) , PEACHES & GREENS
Fresh Prescription
What is Fresh Prescription? Fresh Prescription is a fruit and vegetable prescription program that brings together the healthcare system and the food system, fostering innovative relationships to build a healthy sustainable food system in Detroit. More information can be found here.
Who is Eligible for Fresh Prescription? Participants are referred to the Fresh Prescription program by their primary care physician.
How does Fresh Prescription work? The clinician gives the participants a “prescription” to eat more fruits and vegetables and helps set goals for healthy eating. Patients fill their prescription at a partnering farm stand or market, where they also receive nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, and other educational support for making meaningful, healthy eating changes.
What can I buy with Fresh Prescription? Fresh fruits and vegetables
How to Apply for Fresh Prescription? If you’re interested in being involved or learning more, please contact Patrice Brown of Eastern Market Partnership at [email protected]
How to Use Fresh Prescription at the Farmers Market? Head to the info booth at your market to use these benefits.
Which Detroit Community Markets Accept Fresh Prescription ? EASTERN MARKET , SOWING SEEDS GROWING FUTURES , HOPE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET , WAYNE STATE FARMERS MARKET , THE CONGREGATION FARMERS MARKET, MELDRUM FRESH MARKET , BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE , D-TOWN FARM STAND , OAKLAND AVE FARMERS MARKET , DEEPLY ROOTED PRODUCE (CSA) , PEACHES & GREENS
The Detroit Community Markets are committed to supporting a healthier Detroit. These alternative currencies make fresh, local produce accessible to all.
Find more information about Food Assistance at Detroit Community Markets here.
Check out the schedule of Detroit Community Markets so you can find local food everyday of the week here.
Emma Beauchamp is the Editor in Chief of Taste the Local Difference.
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