Abingdon Farmers Market began accepting SNAP (formerly known as food stamp) benefits in 2009, with the proud distinction of being the very first farmers market in Virginia with the capability to process EBT cards. When available, the AFM also offers a Double Bucks program which doubles the value of federal nutrition assistance spent at the market, helping people bring home more locally grown fruits and vegetables. Not only do farmers gain new customers and make more money, but low-income consumers also eat more healthy food, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.

Your local farmers market is more than a place to buy food; is a place that you and your family can connect with the surrounding community. Unlike grocery and convenience stores, the farmers market gives you a chance to interact with the person who produced your food. That person can give you tips, recipes and insight on how to best prepare their product-whether it’s a bushel of tomatoes or a cut of meat.

How does it work?

• Bring your SNAP EBT Card to the info booth before you shop. Market staff or volunteers will swipe your card, and give you wooden tokens in that amount to go shopping.
• Buy any SNAP-eligible foods at the market with your tokens.
• When funds are available, the AFM will match what you spend with FREE Double Bucks – up to $50, per market day. Use them right away or later on to buy locally-grown fruits & vegetables.
• The match coins  do expire on December 31st each year so make sure you use them up.

Tips for shopping at the market:

• Shop the farmers market first with your regular grocery list. You’ll be surprised at how much of that list you can find at the market.
• Arrive at the market when it first opens for the best selection of items.
• Bring a cooler with freezer packs to keep any meat or dairy products cool while you shop; and bring your own bags to cut down on plastic bag usage.
• Bring your family – we often have entertainment, cooking demonstrations and kids activities!