Fresh Bucks
Making healthy fruits and vegetables easier to afford
The Fresh Bucks program matches SNAP/EBT benefits (food stamps) dollar-for-dollar at all participating farmers markets and neighborhood grocers 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 doubling the purchasing power for low-income residents who use their federal food stamp (SNAP) benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 30 participating Seattle & King County farmers markets and farm stands. Every dollar spent at a Seattle farmers market using food stamp benefits is matched, up to $10 per day, 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 the Seattle Sweetened Beverage Tax.
How It Works
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.