PROGRAMS
SNAP / EBT, SFMP & MARKET TOKENS
We sell credit and debit card tokens at the Information Booth in increments of $5. All vendors accept $5 tokens, and vendors will give you cash as change. A convenience fee for each credit or debit transaction will be charged to cover our administrative costs and support the market’s commitment to food access for all. Some market vendors accept credit payments directly at their tables.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can use their EBT cards at the market at our Information Booth. Market staff will give you $1 tokens, and we will match your purchase 3:1 up to $15 with Healthy Bucks (read more below). SNAP/EBT tokens never expire, but Healthy bucks do expire at the end of each season.
The same rules apply when using your SNAP EBT card at farmers markets that do at any other merchant. SNAP dollars are not eligible for ready-to-eat/prepared foods or non-food items (art, flowers, soap, etc). SNAP tokens are valid for produce, meat, eggs, dairy, breads/bakery items, honey, jam, edible plants and packaged foods intended as take-home groceries and Healthy Bucks are valid for additional fruit and vegetable items. Vendors cannot issue change for SNAP tokens or Healthy bucks.
Through the Healthy Bucks program, BFM is able to match EBT transactions 3:1 up to $15 every day that you shop at the market. For the first $5 charged on your SNAP EBT card, you will be given an additional $15 in Healthy Bucks for free! Healthy Bucks can be spent the same way (and are subject to the same restrictions) as SNAP EBT tokens.
For more information on SNAP benefits visit: https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/
For more information on Healthy Bucks visit: https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/food-and-nutrition-programs/healthy-bucks/
SFMNP vouchers are specifically for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ booths. For participating vendors, look for the CERTIFIED signs, or ask staff at our Info Booth which farmers accept these and they can send you in the right direction.
For more information on the SFMNProgram visit: https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/food-and-nutrition-programs/senior-farmers-market/
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
On-site cooking, food prep, and food storage demonstrations using produce and cottage goods that are sold at the market. Each demonstration will come with an information card including nutritional information, healthy eating tips, highlights on local citizens that have been making health improvements due to lifestyle changes, and active living tips. We aim to create a dialogue surrounding the topic that proper eating habits can make a positive impact on one’s overall health. Check our events calendar for upcoming programs!
The Junior Chef program offers onsite workshops to introduce and activate healthier mindsets as it relates to food consumption of kids. The workshops and demos offer fun and engaging presentations, lesson plans, and activities for students that will give them guidance on how to make healthier lifestyle choices. Check our events calendar for upcoming workshop date!
The Power of Produce (POP) Club provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations directly with farmers, educational games and demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. In addition to participating in educational activities, POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to make their own shopping decisions at the market.
On the 4th Saturdays of the month during the market season, kids ages 3-12 can sample the vegetable of the month and earn $2 POP bucks that can be used to purchase produce (fresh fruits or vegetables) at the market. Kids will be able to participate in activities at the market and earn prizes. Each POP Club kid gets a POP Passport book to track lessons learned, and document new foods tasted and activities completed. Visit our info booth at the market to find out more on how to participate!
