Market Bucks
An Effective Practice
Description
Market Bucks is an incentive program which encourages EBT recipients to use their benefits at the farmers market. The program matches the first $5 in EBT card purchases with an additional $5 in Market Bucks each market day. Market Bucks effectively double the purchasing power of EBT recipients at farmers' markets.
The Market Bucks program is a result of partnership between several Minneapolis area organizations, including Blue Cross, the City of Minneapolis, and the Statewide Health Improvement Program of the Minnesota Department of Health.
The Market Bucks program is a result of partnership between several Minneapolis area organizations, including Blue Cross, the City of Minneapolis, and the Statewide Health Improvement Program of the Minnesota Department of Health.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Market Bucks program is to encourage shopping at farmers' markets and healthier eating.
Impact
Market Bucks have successfully increased the amount of EBT purchases made at farmers markets and increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants.
Results / Accomplishments
In 2011, more than 2,300 individual customers used EBT at 16 participating farmers markets locations. More than $23,000 in Market Bucks were distributed. 97% of all SNAP customers surveyed reported they would shop at the farmers market in the future, and 88% said they eat more fruits and vegetables because they can use EBT at the markets. Positive results have led to expansion of the program in the following years, 42 farmers markets in Minnesota accept SNAP-EBT as of 2013.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota; Minnesota Department of Health
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Economy
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Economy
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Organization(s)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota; Minnesota Department of Health
Date of implementation
2010
Location
Minneapolis, MN
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