Double Up in Farmers’ Markets: The Consumer Experience Report

Since 2009, Fair Food Network has been building the Double Up Food Bucks SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program in Michigan from its modest beginning in five Detroit farmers’ markets that year. This summer, Double Up will be offered in 142 markets, farmstands, mobile markets and food share programs and at least 19 grocery and corner stores around the state.

FFN has just released the first in a monthly series of papers that will explore various topics, including the multiple ways Double Up impacts communities, how FFN tests new technology options for markets, how the program changes as it moves from direct markets to grocery stores, and its different impacts in urban and rural neighborhoods. This first paper explores the multiple ways in which SNAP participants report the farmers’ market program affects their diets, shopping patterns, and communities.