Fair Food Network Announces Results of Emergency Double Up Bonus Bucks Response and Ongoing Program Updates for 2026
January 9, 2026 | DETROIT, MI — In response to the federal government shutdown in October and November 2025 and the resulting disruption to SNAP benefits, Fair Food Network mobilized an emergency expansion of its nutrition incentive program, Double Up Food Bucks Michigan. The organization distributed over $2 million in Bonus Bucks across Michigan in just two months, ensuring continued access to fresh fruits and vegetables for families during a time of heightened need.
From November 1 through December 31, 2025, Fair Food Network distributed:
- $40 Bonus Bucks vouchers to 31 grocery stores and 31 farmers markets across Michigan
- Bonus Bucks went to Double Up Card users at more than 50 locations statewide
- Bonus Bucks were provided through a special partnership with Spartan Nash, reaching shoppers at over 35 Family Fare and VG’s stores
Over the same period, more than 4,000 new shoppers signed up for a Double Up Card—a record-breaking number that signals both the growing reach of the program and the deep need for healthy food access in uncertain times.
“We’re grateful to our retail and market partners who stepped up to meet community needs with urgency and care,” said Rachel Hoh, Director of Double Up Food Bucks at Fair Food Network. “This rapid response would not have been possible without their commitment to nourishing Michigan families.”
Fair Food Network thanks participating sites for their energy and partnership in getting these vital resources into the hands of shoppers. This effort is made possible thanks to strong public-private partnerships and the leadership of the State of Michigan, alongside key contributors to our Resilience Fund, including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Marguerite Casey Foundation, among others. State funding to support Double Up Food Bucks is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
What’s Ahead for 2026
With lessons from the shutdown response in hand—and sustained demand for healthy food access—Fair Food Network will continue several program flexibilities into 2026:
- Unlimited earn and spend: Double Up participants can continue to earn and spend unlimited Double Up Food Bucks when using their Bridge Card to purchase fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or fat. The dollar-for-dollar match applies immediately at checkout or for use on a future visit.
- Extended redemption window: For Double Up earnings accrued during 2025 on Double Up cards, shoppers have until April 1, 2026 to spend their Double Up Food Bucks. In 2026, the program will return to a 90-day expiration policy from the date of earnings.
For more information on how Double Up works or to find a participating location, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org
Community Response and Continued Support
Calls to the Double Up Food Bucks Hotline tripled during the emergency response period. Hotline staff remain available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST, at 866.586.2796 to assist program participants.
About Fair Food Network
Fair Food Network is a national nonprofit and investor that grows community health, wealth, and resilience through food. We transform how resources flow through the food economy for a more fair and resilient future. Our approach integrates policy advocacy that brings proven solutions to scale, partnerships that increase our collective impact, and investments in food organizations and businesses that serve their communities. We’re building a world in which everyone has access to healthy choices, economic opportunity, and a resilient local food and agriculture system. We believe that when we start with food, everything else is possible. Learn more at FairFoodNetwork.org.