The 2023 market season is the 7th year that the Downtown Market on Main has offered those with SNAP benefits to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other eligible items directly from participating vendors.
We want to answer all of your questions about SNAP, Double Up & WIC FMNP before the market season starts, so that you’re ready to buy fresh produce for yourself or your family!
What is SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) offers nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The Department of Food and Nutrition Service works with the State of Colorado to offer funds for those in need.
The Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of SNAP at the market (up to $20), helping people bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers. With this program, more families have access to fruits and vegetables, local farmers gain new customers, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.
What is WIC FMNPP?
WIC FMNP stands for Women Infant and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). “The FMNP provides WIC participants over the age of 1 with a coupon booklet valued at a total of $30, to buy fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs (not potted or planted) at approved farmers’ markets. Coupons must be used by October 31 each year.” (WIC Colorado, 2023).
How can I use my SNAP, DUFB & WIC FMNPP vouchers at the market?
To use the vouchers at the market, it’s simple! Bring your EBT card to the Downtown booth in front of Rockslide at 4th and Main, and tell the market staff how much from your SNAP account you’d like to spend at the market with your EBT card.
The market staff will swipe your card, and then give you paper SNAP bucks. These bucks can be spent on any eligible food item that isn’t hot and ready at the market.
Then, the staff will match the SNAP bucks $1 for $1 with DUFB, good for Colorado-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. If you spend $5, you get $5, if you spend $10, you get $10! We match up to $20 each time you visit!
Once you have your vouchers, wander Main Street for your fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meat, and other eligible items!
Watch the video below for more information:
For WIC FMNP vouchers you can go spend them directly with participating vendors. You can also come see us at the Downtown booth for a list of participating vendors.
Since WIC FMNP vouchers come in increments of $5 please use cash to cover any remaining balance of the purchase. For example if your total for Colorado grown fruits and vegetables is $17 you would use three $5 WIC FMNP vouchers ($15) and $2 in cash.
Downtown Grand Junction and market vendors cannot give change or cash for SNAP, Double Up or WIC FMNP vouchers. We also cannot put the SNAP dollars back on your account after it’s been dispensed, however, you can draw out more SNAP on the same day if you want more (so plan to start with less and come back if you need more).
Where do I get vouchers?
SNAP & Double Up: You will need to bring your EBT card to the Downtown booth, located at 4th and Main in front of Rockslide.
WIC FMNP vouchers are mailed directly to families. To apply for a voucher visit this website or the local clinic.
Can WIC FMNP be combined with SNAP and DUFB?
Yes, if you have an EBT card you can come get SNAP and DUFB bucks from the Downtown booth regardless of whether you’ve been mailed WIC coupons too. If you are purchasing items from a vendor just remember that DUFB and WIC FMNP can only be used on Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables, use the pink SNAP bucks for things like bread, honey, meat, eggs and dry goods.
How will I know what vendors accept my vouchers?
Vendors will have signs on their stand indicating what vouchers they can take. Be on the lookout for signs, or ask the vendor! We also have a complete list and location map of participating vendors at the Downtown Grand Junction booth near Rockslide.
What can I purchase with SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and WIC FMNP vouchers?
With SNAP vouchers, you are able to purchase everything found at a grocery store – fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, meat, bread, seasonings, etc.
With Double Up Food Bucks and WIC FMNP, you are able to purchase Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables.
SNAP, DU & WIC FMNP Eligible ProductsHow long are the vouchers good for?
The vouchers you receive at the 2023 Market on Main are good for the entire market season (July 6 – September 21). These vouchers are not eligible for grocery store use. SNAP cannot be used at any other farmer’s market, DUFB and WIC FMNP may be utilized at other participating Colorado farmer’s markets. Both Palisade and Fruita Farmers Markets accept DUFB. For a list of other markets participating in WIC FMNP visit this website.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about SNAP, click here.
For more information about DUFB, click here.
For more information about WIC FMNP, click here.