In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding Florida has made more funds available to Fresh Access Bucks participants.
Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) is a statewide program that allows SNAP recipients to double their SNAP dollars. Specifically, the program offers a match when customers use SNAP benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating retailers. Eligible retailers include farmers markets, produce stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and community grocery outlets. In the past, there was a $40-per-day cap on the match for each customer. But this cap has been suspended during the pandemic and will remain so until the end of 2021.
Fresh Access Bucks at Farmers Markets
There are several participating farmers markets in the Greater Gainesville area. These include the following:
- Alachua County Farmers Market
- Grove Street Farmers Market
- GNV Market at Heartwood
- High Springs Farmers Market
To participate as a customer, simply visit the EBT/FAB booth at the market and show your EBT card. The staff member will enter your information to deduct the amount you choose from your card. Then you will receive orange tokens in that amount. You can use the orange tokens to pay for grocery items from participating market vendors. In addition, you will receive the matching dollars in green tokens. The green tokens are ‘bonus dollars’ that you can use to buy fruits, vegetables, and food-producing plants.
At the end of the market, the vendors turn in their tokens at the EBT/FAB booth to get reimbursed for their sales.
