Using SNAP and WIC to purchase local food
Using SNAP and WIC to purchase local food is easy to do at many Maine locations. Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps”) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program can be used to purchase Maine grown foods. Although both program provide funds directly to individuals and families, they each operate a little differently. However, each can be used to purchase healthy local food, grown and produced in Maine!
About the SNAP Program
SNAP benefits can be used at many farm stands and farmers’ markets to purchase foods directly from the farmers who produced them. Additionally, many farm stands, farmers’ markets, and some co-ops and health food stores offer bonus dollars to shoppers who use SNAP. There is a bonus program at many farmers’ markets and farm stands called Maine Harvest Bucks. There is a similar program at certain retail stores Farm Fresh Rewards. These bonus programs double the value of the SNAP benefits. Learn more about where to find Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards online.
Learn more about how Maine Harvest Bucks work in this short video:
About WIC
WIC farmers’ market nutrition benefits (also called FMNP) can be used to purchase produce from participating farmers from July 1st through October 31st in addition to WIC’s Cash Value Benefit year-round! These benefits are distributed to eligible participants at their local WIC offices and may be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Check with your local WIC office for a participating farmer near you.
