The SNAP incentive program Double Up Food Bucks began at New Mexico farmers’ markets and farm stands in 2015 as a way to help low-income families bring home more healthy food, support area farmers, and stimulate local economies. It was pioneered by the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association in 2010.

Double Up Food Bucks matches SNAP dollars spent on fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Developed by national nonprofit Fair Food nNetwork, the Double Up model is now active in more than 20 states across the country. (SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps.)

USDA Award: In 2016, USDA awarded the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association a $2 million Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant to expand Double Up Food Bucks statewide. The federal funds were matched by resources from more than 35 local funders for a total program budget of $3.5 million dollars. With this support, Double Up is expanding to serve residents in even more markets, farm stands, and grocery stores in communities across New Mexico.

To read how Double Up Food Bucks has helped New Mexico, download the Double Up Food Bucks 2016 New Mexico Report here.