SNAP and Market Bucks FAQ

  • What is SNAP-EBT?

    SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal food assistance program. Benefits are placed on an electronic benefits transfer card (EBT) similar to a debit card. To find out if you qualify for SNAP, call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151 or visit mnfoodhelpline.org for more information.

  • What do I need to bring to get Market Bucks?

    All you need is your Minnesota SNAP-EBT card.

  • DO I HAVE TO SPEND MY OWN SNAP-EBT IN ORDER TO GET MARKET BUCKS?

    Yes. Market Bucks match the amount of SNAP-EBT you spend dollar-for-dollar, up to $10. So if you spend $6 on your EBT card, you get $6 extra Market Bucks. If you spend $12 on your EBT card, you can only get up to $10 in Market Bucks.

  • CAN I USE MARKET BUCKS EVERY WEEK?

    Yes. You can spend your EBT dollars at farmers markets and get the matched Market Bucks (up to $10) each day you visit.

  • I GOT A POSTCARD IN THE MAIL WITH A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR MARKET BUCKS, WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?

    Take it to the info/EBT booth at your participating farmers market. They will exchange it for $5 in Market Bucks for you to spend at the market. You don’t have to spend any of your SNAP-EBT money to use the gift certificate.

  • WHAT IS MARKET BUCKS?

    Market Bucks is a program to double (triple in 2023) your SNAP-EBT purchases up to $10 at farmers markets that participate.

  • DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP FOR MARKET BUCKS?

    No, all you need is to take your SNAP-EBT card to a participating farmers market during their open hours.

  • DO I HAVE TO SPEND ALL OF THE MARKET BUCKS AND TOKENS AT ONE TIME?

    No. You can use the tokens at the same farmers market any day they are open. You can also use Market Bucks at any participating market any time before they expire.

  • DO MARKET BUCKS EXPIRE?

    Yes, Market Bucks expire at the end of the farmers market season on Oct. 31. Winter Market Bucks expire at the end of the winter farmers market season on April 30.

  • HOW DO I GET A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR MARKET BUCKS?

    The $5 gift certificates will be mailed in mid-August to SNAP households who are near participating markets. Some community groups may have a few certificates to distribute to people they work with such as nutrition educators or food shelves.