Fresh Bucks
Making healthy fruits and vegetables easier to afford
Fresh Bucks is a healthy food program focused on getting more fruits and vegetables into the homes of families with low incomes. Fresh Bucks matches SNAP/EBT benefits (food stamps) and distributes Fresh Bucks vouchers to income eligible and enrolled customers to buy fruits and vegetables at all participating retail locations in Seattle and King County.
Why Fresh Bucks?
Running out of food is a real and growing problem for many in Seattle - in 2013, 12% of Seattle adults faced food hardship, up from only 6% in 2010. Seattle's Fresh Bucks program is one solution to help those who struggle to afford enough food - especially enough healthy food - by providing Fresh Bucks benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables at over 35 farmers markets and farm stands, five ethnic grocers and all Seattle Safeway stores. Every dollar spent at a Seattle farmers market using food stamp benefits is matched, to purchase fresh, local produce. Fresh Bucks is a solution that helps low-income residents afford healthy foods, diversifies the customer base of farmers markets, and keeps federal food stamp dollars in our regional economy.
Fresh Bucks is supported in part by the Seattle Sweetened Beverage Tax.
How It Works
Fresh Bucks has multiple programs to improve access to healthy foods.
Fresh Bucks Match: Participants who use food stamps (SNAP/EBT) can earn matching benefits when they purchase fruits and vegetables at any participating Fresh Bucks retailer. Learn more about Fresh Bucks Match.
Fresh Bucks Vouchers: Eligible and enrolled customers receive Fresh Bucks Voucher benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at participating Fresh Bucks retailer. Fresh Bucks Voucher enrollment is now closed, learn about applying for 2020 Fresh Bucks Vouchers.
Fresh Bucks Rx: Patients who face food insecurity are eligible to receive Fresh Bucks Vouchers benefits at partnering healthcare providers and community organizations. Fresh Bucks Rx can be used like cash to buy fruits and vegetables at participating Fresh Bucks retailer.
Fresh Bucks Impact
Since 2012, Fresh Bucks has helped thousands of low-income Seattle residents eat more fruits and vegetables. The combined economic impact of Fresh Bucks and EBT has brought nearly three-quarters of a million dollars directly to local farms.
Sign up for the latest Fresh Bucks updates