SNAP & Farmer’s Markets: Save on Fresh Produce 

SNAP And Farmer's Markets Shop Local And Save

SNAP benefits can help you buy fresh produce at farmer’s markets. There’s nothing quite like bringing home fresh fruits and vegetables for your family to enjoy, especially during summer. If you already receive SNAP benefits or are considering applying, remember these resources before your next trip to the market!

SNAP Benefit Basics

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal benefit that helps cover the cost of healthy foods. Individuals and families use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to shop at grocery stores, convenience stores, some farmer’s markets and other places across the state that sell groceries. Find more details about SNAP HERE.

You can apply for SNAP over the phone with an SC Thrive Benefits Counselor. Our Contact Center is available at 800.726.8774, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM to take your calls.

SNAP and Farmer’s Markets

Each farmer’s market in South Carolina has various produce, meats, and other home good offerings. Not all vendors accept EBT. If you want to use your EBT card at a farmer’s market, you must purchase from vendors who allow EBT payments. Market coordinators can explain the programs they offer, along with available qualifying vendors.

The South Carolina Farmers and Roadside Market Map shows the location, hours of operation and accepted payment types (including WIC, SNAP, and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program voucher) for many farmers markets and roadside produce stands across the state. Find your nearest market using the map HERE

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The SFMNP helps seniors purchase healthy fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers markets or roadside stands. For the 2023 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, eligible seniors will receive five (5) $10.00 checks totaling $50.00 to purchase fresh produce from participating farmers/farmers’ markets. Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Seniors must apply annually to receive the SFMNP benefit. Visit the South Carolina Department of Social Services to find more details HERE.

Healthy Bucks Program

The Healthy Bucks Program is for SNAP recipients only. When you purchase at least $5 worth of food using your SNAP EBT card, you will receive $15 worth of Healthy Bucks tokens. You can use your Healthy Bucks tokens to purchase additional fruits and vegetables from qualified vendors. To find more information on this program and participating vendors, visit Healthy Bucks HERE.

Other Available Resources

We recognize the importance of food security for all South Carolinians. SC Thrive is also happy to connect you to other supportive resources with help from our Contact Center or Partner Sites across the state. You can learn about the other benefits we can connect you to HERE.