Parasitic

Fresh Bucks -- Seattle

“This summer, the City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment has partnered with the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance to offer FREE Fresh Bucks to EBT users who shop at our farmers markets. This bonus program is to increase the fresh fruit and vegetable purchasing power of low income shoppers, and to increase the number of shoppers utilizing SNAP/EBT at local farmers markets.”

“To use your EBT/SNAP card at any one of our markets, go first to the market info booth. Market staff will swipe your EBT card for the amount you choose, and give you that amount in wooden coins to shop with. Plus, at the same time, you can get up to $10 worth of free Fresh Bucks coupons to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. You must spend at least $10 on your EBT card in order to recieve the full Fresh Bucks $10 bonus; however, free coupons will be given for lesser amounts (for example, if you choose to swipe your EBT card for only $6, you will be given 3 free Fresh Buck coupons (a $6 bonus, since each coupon is worth $2). Or, if you swipe your card for $5, you will be given 2 free Fresh Buck coupons (a $4 bonus) - the bonus is rounded down to the nearest even amount.

Please note: your EBT wood tokens never expire, BUT the Fresh Bucks coupons EXPIRE on OCTOBER 31, and are used only to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.”

You have to go to specific markets on specific days, but this sounds like a wonderful program. More info about participating Seattle-area farmers’ markets at the link.