BONUS BUCKS NUTRITION INCENTIVES

13.9 percent of Rhode Islanders live in poverty, and nearly 30 percent of Providence residents live below the poverty line (US Census Bureau). People affected by poverty can be more at risk for obesity and diet-related disease. To help address this, we provide nutrition incentives in the form of Bonus Bucks to low-income families at farmers markets across the state — helping farmers sell more local foods and making fresh, nutritious options more accessible.

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Double Your SNAP at Participating Farmers Markets in Rhode Island

Ready to shop at a Rhode Island farmers market with your SNAP/EBT card? We provide a 100% matching bonus on SNAP/EBT purchases at many farmers markets across our state! That means for every EBT dollar spent, shoppers get $1 free in Bonus Bucks to buy fresh produce from local farms.

The RI Farmers Market Guide 2021 Find farmers markets this spring, summer, and fall seasons across Rhode Island. See which markets accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Bonus Bucks.

The Local Food Guide Search for local farms, farmers markets, and local food businesses by zip code. This guide is a database of listings posted and maintained by local farm and food businesses.

Photo of Farmers Market Customers

FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION INCENTIVES

Bonus Bucks increase the spending power of shoppers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers markets by providing a 100% match on grocery purchases to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. That's double the SNAP dollars to spend at the farmers market! Farm Fresh RI distributes Bonus Bucks at all farmers markets we operate — and funds Bonus Bucks at a large number of other farmers markets across Rhode Island.

ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES PROGRAMS

Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives are distributed in a variety of ways at participating farmers markets. Eligible shoppers can earn extra Bonus Bucks by enrolling in Healthy Foods, Healthy Families. Other seasonal, market-specific bonuses may be offered at your nearest farmers market. Check in at the farmers market welcome table to get the latest details.

Photo of Farmers Market Customers

USING FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

We help shoppers use SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition checks at farmers markets. Spend WIC and senior checks directly with vendors. Bring your EBT card to a welcome table to swipe for any amount in exchange for Fresh Bucks tokens to spend with vendors. You'll automatically get matching Bonus Bucks!

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SUPPORT FOR BONUS BUCKS INCENTIVES

We believe that everyone should be able to take part in the bounty grown in our region. Farm Fresh RI is able to offer the Bonus Bucks program thanks to financial support from many funders, including federal grants and private fundraising efforts. Every donation helps provide more fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables to families in need.

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$511k+

In Bonus Bucks distributed to SNAP shoppers at RI farmers markets since 2009

2,573

Shoppers increased their ability to buy fresh produce with Bonus Bucks in 2019

$143k+

In Bonus Bucks reached low-income shoppers at RI farmers markets in 2019

Whole Foods Market Supports Bonus Bucks

Thanks to Whole Foods Market for their financial support of our Bonus Bucks program, which helps close the nutrition gap among low-income families by increasing purchasing power and access to fresh fruits and vegetables. ⁠⁠
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⁠⁠In 2021, Whole Foods is investing $420,000 in farmers markets & other organizations that improve access to fresh fruits & vegetables in 24 communities surrounding Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada, including Farm Fresh RI.⁠⁠
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This "Nourishing Our Neighborhoods" program is an amplification of Whole Foods Market’s commitment to win-win partnerships with local suppliers by assisting in providing tools and incentives that encourage shopping local. They believe the success of this program will increase the number of customers seeking fresh, local foods which, in turn, supports local producers and farmers and keeps more food dollars in local communities.