Help low-income shoppers put fresh local produce on the table!

Hunger in Oregon is a problem that can’t be ignored. Although the economy has improved for some, we still live in a state where 1 in 5 of our neighbors faces food insecurity.

Double Up Food Bucks began with a simple idea: that everyone deserves access to fresh, local produce from their neighborhood farmers market. With this in mind, we created a program in 2010 that would increase the spending power of shoppers using SNAP benefits (the program formerly known as food stamps).

Every market day, SNAP shoppers can use their Oregon Trail card and withdraw SNAP dollars to be used at the farmers market. The Hollywood Farmers Market provides an additional dollar in matching funds for every dollar of SNAP that they spend (up to $10 per customer), increasing the customer’s spending power at the market and encouraging healthy eating. For many families, this extra $10 a week is what makes it possible for them to shop at the farmers market, rather than at a grocery store. Since 2010, we’ve matched over $73,000 to thousands of SNAP customers at the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Why support Double Up Food Bucks? (quotes from SNAP match recipients)

“I have a chronic health condition, so fresh veggies and fruits help to give me a better quality of life. The only way I can afford fresh produce is through this program.”

“This program is actually helping my kids grow! They have eaten more fruit this summer than ever before.”

“I feel much more connected to the community and to the food I eat when I buy fresh and local from the farmers market. Thank you!”

SNAP recipients who use their benefits at farmers markets bring our tax dollars back to Oregon, into the pockets of small farmers and into our economy, instead of into the hands of food manufacturers. For every one dollar spent, two dollars in federal funds come back to our family farmers and one child is eating broccoli instead of potato chips for dinner. Just a $20 donation means two families on food stamps will have access to a $10 match when they shop at their neighborhood farmers market.

Processed food does not have to be the only option for families on food stamps. Please support Double Up Food Bucks at Hollywood Farmers Market to ensure all Oregonians have access to healthy, fresh, local produce!

Donations can be made by cash or check at the Hollywood Farmers Market information booth (this month the farmers market is open on December 3rd and 17th), or checks made out to Hollywood Farmers Market can be sent by mail to PO Box 13233, Portland, OR 97213. If you have any questions about giving, contact Ari Rosner at ari@hollywoodfarmersmarket.org or (503) 803-7279.