Select vendors at the market participate in WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Fresh, the SNAP/Bridge Card Program, and the Double Up Food Bucks Program. Bridge Card Tokens may be purchased at the market from June through September. You may purchase as many vouchers as you’d like and they may be used year-round at the market.

 

Visit the information booth at the market to purchase tokens or to receive more information!

PROJECT FRESH – FARMER’S MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

WIC Project FRESH is a program that makes fresh produce available to low-income, nutritionally-at-risk consumers, through Michigan farmers’ markets. Women and children up to age 5 (excluding infants) currently enrolled in the WIC program can get coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables. Women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding are targeted to help meet their special nutritional needs. For more information please visit their website.

What May Be Purchased With WIC Project FRESH Coupons?

Participants may buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, but are especially encouraged to buy broccoli, carrots, potatoes, squash, peaches, apples and tomatoes. A variety of produce rich in vitamins A, C, and folic acid are emphasized. Current allowable herbs are: Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon Grass, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Summer Savory, Sorrel, Tarragon and Thyme.

Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH

 

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, known as Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH in Michigan, provides older adults who qualify with unprocessed, Michigan-grown products from authorized farmers markets and roadside stands throughout Michigan.

 

Qualified older adults and Wisewoman participants receive coupons that are used to purchase Michigan-grown produce at registered roadside stands and farmers markets.  Eligible items include: berries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beans, honey, and more.

 

The program is free for both the participant and the farmer. It’s truly a win-win for Michigan farmers and older adults!    Become a participating market or farmer.

 

Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH originates from U.S. Department of Agriculture funding. It is part of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and these federal dollars come out of the federal Farm Bill. The program was designed to benefit both farmers and seniors.

 

To qualify, and older adult must be:

  • 60 years of age or older
  • Have a total household income of 185% of poverty or less
  • Live in the county where the coupons are issued

 

You may also receive coupons if you are a participant in the MDCH Wisewoman program.

 

The Senior Project FRESH / Market FRESH program is administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Services to the Aging, in partnership with the WIC program. Specified Senior Centers will issue coupons to eligible seniors. Questions on this program should be directed to Offices of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230.

 

For more information please visit their website.

 

What are Double Up Food Bucks?

 

The program only runs from the first weekend in June through October 1st.

 

If you participate in the Bridge Card Program, you’re eligible for Double Up Food Bucks at the Dearborn Farmers & Artisans Market. The market will match your Bridge Card spending up to $20. Example: Spend $10 on your Bridge Card, get an additional $10 not charged to your card. Spend $20 on your Bridge Card, get an additional $20 not charged to your card. That’s $40 of produce for only $20 on your Bridge Card!

 

*The maximum allowance in Double Up Food Bucks is $20. The program runs from the first weekend in June through October 1st. Each participating vendor will have a sign at their booth. This is only good for non-prepared food items (baked goods are not eligible). Please stop by the Market Manager’s booth for your Double Up Bucks. You must have your Michigan Bridge Card and a Michigan I.D. with you to receive your Double Up Bucks.**The food stamp program runs from May through December and may be used on fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, jelly, and baked goods.

 

How it works:

 

Bring your Bridge Card to the farmers market office or information booth before you shop. Buy EBT-Eligible Foods at the market with your EBT dollars. (Same things you buy at the grocery store with your EBT card). We’ll match what you spend with free Double Up Food Bucks – up to $20, every market day. Use them right away or later on to buy fresh FRUITS AND VEGETABLES grown in your state.

 

For More Information Please Visit Their Website