SC DSS Kicks Off Healthy Bucks Farmers Market Pilot Program

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Farmers Market Photo by Natalie Mayor Flickr 2SC Appleseed believes that ending hunger, along with ensuring access to healthy foods, should be the focus of our health officials. The SNAP program is the country’s best  defense against hunger which means preserving the program along with increasing its buying power is the right solution for South Carolina.

This is why we were pleased to work with a group of state Legislators and the SC Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to developed a state-wide program to increase the buying power of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for fresh produce. As a result, South Carolina has pursued (and received Federal approval for) a state-wide Healthy Bucks Program that will ensure our most vulnerable residents won’t go hungryexpand access to healthy foods for low-income families, support local farmers, and grow our economy.

 It’s a common sense solution and a win for everyone.

Beginning in June 2014, recipients of SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, will be able to double the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables (up to $5) purchased with their EBT cards at participating farmers market locations.

Officials with the SCDSS have announced that six farmers market locations across the State are piloting a program called “Healthy Bucks” to encourage Farmers Market purchases.

  • Only purchases for fruits and vegetables qualify for the Healthy Bucks token.
  • With a purchase of at least $2.50, SNAP recipients will be eligible for a $5 token to be used for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Healthy Bucks Program will be available at the following locations through the end of this year’s growing season:

Market Name Address Healthy Bucks Start Date
Colleton Museum Farmers Market 506 E. Washington Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
June 7, 2014
Chester Farmers & Artisans Market 250 West End Street
Chester, SC 29706
June 7, 2014
Hub City Farmers Market 298 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
May 24, 2014
Right Choice Fresh Start Farmers Market 3310 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29118
June 6, 2014
Kershaw County Farmers Market 631 West Dekalb Street
Camden, SC 29020
June 6, 2014
Easley Farmers Market 205 N. 1st Street
Easley, SC 29640
June 7, 2014

For more information, contact Robin Verenes at (803) 898-7510.