Added bonus
Pilot program reimburses low-income shoppers up to $60/month for Farmers Market produce
People who use their SNAP/EBT benefits to shop at the Durango Farmers Market can now be reimbursed up to $60 a month for eligible fruit and veggie purchases./Photo courtesy Durango Farmers Market
It just got easier for low-income residents to afford healthy local food. Beginning May 24, the Durango Farmers Market will be the newest participant in Colorado’s SNAP Produce Bonus program. The program allows people who receive SNAP benefits and have a Colorado EBT card to receive up to $60 a month in dollar-for-dollar reimbursements for fresh fruit and veggies bought at the market. The funds will be directly added back onto EBT cards, and no sign up is necessary. Eligible items include: fresh produce; frozen fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar or fat; dried fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar or fat; and dried beans.
Colorado was one of three states chosen by the USDA to pilot this type of program. It launched in August 2024 and is being implemented by the Colorado Department of Human Services and Nourish Colorado, a nonprofit that works to build resilient local food systems and increase food access.
“These programs strengthen Colorado’s local food system, putting more dollars directly into the hands of our farmers,” Daysi Sweaney, Director of Nutrition Incentives at Nourish Colorado, said. “When we make it easier to access nutritious food, we nourish families, uplift farmers and build a healthier, more equitable Colorado.”
In addition to this, the Durango Farmers Market will continue to offer the “Double Up Food Bucks” program this season as well. Through the Double Up program, participants can receive up to $20 in SNAP vouchers for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. This is in addition to the $60 Produce Bonus.
“This program has been a game changer for our community,” Anna Knowles, Executive Director of the Durango Farmers Market, said in a news release. “It removes barriers and makes it easier than ever for families to bring home fresh, healthy food they may have otherwise skipped.”
Last year, the Farmers Market saw more than $20,000 in SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks redeemed. “We’re hopeful that the addition of SNAP Produce Bonus will help us increase that total even more in 2025,” Knowles said.
The Durango Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., through Oct. 25 in the TBK Bank parking lot, 259 W. 9th St.