The Double Bucks program which doubles SNAP benefits to help low-income families afford fresh food at farmers’ markets.
The Double Bucks Program’s Lifeline for Those in Need
Chris Veda who lives in Carrboro and has health problems depends on the Double Bucks program to shop at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market. This program doubles the value of his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits making it possible for him to buy fresh and healthy food. He has allergies to the pesticides used on fruits and vegetables in grocery stores. Without the Double Bucks program, it would be very hard for him and others in similar situations to get affordable, nutritious food.
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(photo: NPR)
A Lifeline for Low-Income Families in Need of Fresh Food
The Double Bucks program has been a big help for nearly 1,000 low-income households in Durham, Orange, and Wake counties since it started. Funded by various grants, including a $1 million grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2019, the program provides $5 wooden tokens that double the purchasing power of SNAP benefits at local farmers’ markets. However, with food prices going up and SNAP benefits staying the same, the program is now low on funds especially in Orange County where there is not enough money to meet the growing need.
Even though the program has been successful in helping local farmers and giving people access to fresh food and its future is uncertain because of financial issues. Efforts are being made to find new funding sources and major sponsors to keep the program going long-term. The N.C. Farmers Market Network is also working on a statewide nutrition incentive program. As National Farmers Market Week approaches community efforts like GoFundMe campaigns are raising awareness about the need to support this important program that benefits both local farmers and low-income families, according to the report of The News and Observer.
