County Expands Access to Fresh Foods via SNAP to Largest Farmers Market

Public Health is making it easier for residents to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for fresh healthy foods. In partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, SNAP/EBT and the SNAP Double Bucks program will be accepted at the area’s largest farmers market.

“We are excited to offer this service to our residents so they can enjoy the summer’s bounty at the largest farmers market in the county,” said Dr. Kimberly Scott, Mecklenburg County assistant Public Health director of Population Health. “We are always looking to increase access to fresh and healthy foods and trying to meet residents where they shop. I’m proud of the partnership that made this possible.”

The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is located at 1801 Yorkmont Road. The new program begins Saturday, Aug. 10. There are currently 10 other markets within Mecklenburg County that participate in the SNAP Double Bucks program. Please check the market description to verify the SNAP/EBT acceptance.

Customers should go to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council table, swipe their EBT card for an amount of their choosing and receive wooden tokens to use as cash and shop at participating SNAP-qualified vendors.  Customers can also double their EBT dollars for a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $50 per EBT card. Customers can purchase any SNAP-approved foods using the tokens similar to a cash transaction. Customers can take home tokens they do not spend and use them on a different market day at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market with participating SNAP qualified vendors.  

This is a pilot program and exchanging of EBT for tokens will be available every other Saturday beginning Aug. 10 to Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration is not required to participate in the program. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible.