5 Highlights from 2014 Double Up Season

December marks the close of Double Up Food Bucks this year! And what a year it’s been: with 125+ farmers markets, 6 grocery stores, and a network of other sites, we had our biggest year yet. This year also marked Double Up’s 5-year anniversary.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the many families, farmers, and partners who continue to make this program a success. Dig into our 5-year report to learn about the evolution of the program, innovations, and the partners who have made it all possible. Also check out a story about our work on NBC Nightly News

The 2014 Farm Bill includes $100 million for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grants program to support healthy food incentive efforts in communities nationwide.

This new effort was ushered in through the leadership of Sen. Stabenow and informed by Double Up’s track record in Michigan. Applications for the first round of funding are due Dec. 15, and awards will be made Spring 2015. Dig into our FINI primer + Read The Washington Post story on the provision

A recent NPR story on “All Things Considered” shares the history of incentives from small community pilots to the 2014 Farm Bill provision. It highlights Michigan’s statewide program and our work bringing incentives to grocery stores. Listen to NPR story

We piloted Double Up in grocery stores in 2013 and expanded this season with Michigan-based grocery chain SpartanNash. The new PBS series Food Forward featured our work in grocery in its inaugural season finale, “The U.S. of Agriculture.” Watch Food Forward episode and read a new Q&A on our work with SpartanNash.

Hear from a farmer and shopper who participate in Double Up speak about what the program means to them and the benefits it is delivering in a Google+ Hangout hosted by online media outlet Grist. Watch Google+ Hangout

Double Up programs have taken root in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Western New York State with great success. We’ve translated the Double Up program into a toolkit and are now working with others from Alabama to Oregon as they bring this proven model to their communities.  Read about the Double Up toolkit or email us to learn more

Michigan ranks #2 nationally in the number of farmers markets that accept SNAP. At a county level, Wayne County ranks just behind New York County in top five busiest of SNAP use at farmers markets or direct marketing farmers.

Hats off to our incredible partners, including MIFMA, Eastern Market, and the many other markets across our state that are leading the way!