Using SNAP/EBT at Farmers Markets: Tokens, Matching Programs and Where to Find Them

By the Farmers Market Days editors · Updated October 13, 2026

• How EBT works at a market
• Matching programs: Double Up, Market Match and others
• What the USDA register tells you, and what it does not
• Authorized markets by state
• WIC and senior farmers market coupons

How EBT works at a market

Individual farm stalls rarely have a card terminal that takes EBT. Instead the market runs one terminal at an information table. You swipe your EBT card there for an amount you choose, and the market hands you tokens or paper scrip in that amount. You spend the tokens at any stall that sells SNAP-eligible food: fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, bread, honey, and plants or seeds that grow food. Hot prepared food and non-food items are not eligible. Unspent tokens can usually be kept for the next market day, but the rule varies, so ask at the table.

Matching programs: Double Up, Market Match and others

Many markets add a matching program funded by the USDA's nutrition incentive grants and by states or foundations. Under names such as Double Up Food Bucks, Market Match, Fresh Bucks, Produce Perks or Market Bucks, the market gives you extra tokens, often dollar for dollar up to a daily cap, that can be spent on fruit and vegetables. The cap and the eligible items differ by state and by market. 370 market websites we read mention such a program; it is noted on those market pages. The information table is the place to ask, because programs start and stop with their funding.

What the USDA register tells you, and what it does not

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service publishes the list of every retailer authorized to accept SNAP, with a store type. We use the store type "Farmers and Markets", which covers both farmers markets and farm stands. A market on that list has the authorization and the equipment to process EBT. The register does not say whether a matching program runs, which stalls take tokens, or whether the market has been active this season; some authorized entries belong to markets that have since paused. Our listings show "SNAP/EBT" only for markets in the register on the date of our data pull, and never from a guess.

Authorized markets by state

Markets and stands in the USDA register, by state, among our listings. States with fewer than 3 entries link to the state page.

WIC and senior farmers market coupons

Two smaller federal programs put coupons for fresh produce in the hands of specific shoppers: the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program for women, infants and children enrolled in WIC, and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program for low-income adults aged 60 and over. The coupons are issued by state agencies each season and can be used only at markets and stands those agencies certify. Where a state register tells us a market is certified (New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, California WIC, Colorado), the market page says so under "Other benefits". Many states publish their lists only as seasonal notices, so a missing note does not mean the market is not certified. Your state WIC office or Area Agency on Aging has the current list.