Summer slacking? More like healthy snacking, thanks to SNAP aid

Roughly 100 Minnesota farmers’ markets are accepting SNAP benefits this summer, making it easier for low-income families with children to buy healthy foods that can be costly at grocery stores.

The markets are part of the Market Bucks initiative, which offers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10 for customers using EBT cards through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Rachel Holmes, director of advocacy and community engagement for the hunger relief organization The Food Group, said the program complements other summer efforts to close nutrition gaps for eligible households when school is out.

“We know that more access to nutritious foods can reduce chronic illnesses, keep medical costs down, and especially for children, access can support a healthier child growth,” Holmes said.

She said fresh produce can take a big chunk out of SNAP benefits at supermarkets, while participating farmers markets can help families stretch their food budgets.

State support for Market Bucks remains steady, Holmes said, but federal aid for larger matches has faded. That means there is not a two-for-one match as in previous summers.

Local partners say they are working to restore enhanced federal support. In the meantime, Holmes said the current match can also help children discover new foods at their local farmers market.

“Kids so often go to the farmer’s market with their parents, and they look at all of these vegetables that they may not have seen before or may not know how to cook,” Holmes said. “So, it’s a really exciting time for families to be able to try new things.”

Minnesota households with children can also use SUN Bucks over the summer. The income-based program provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is not in session. Most families are automatically enrolled because they were approved for aid programs during the academic year.

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