SNAP is a Smart Choice
RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR SNAP USERS
Your local NY farmers market is more than a place to buy food; it’s an event you can share with your family and the surrounding community.
Unlike grocery and convenience stores, the farmers market gives you an opportunity to meet the person who produced your food. That person can give you tips, recipes and insight on how to best work with their product – whether it’s a bushel of apples or a cut of meat.
Using SNAP benefits at farmers markets makes local, healthy, and wholesome food more affordable than you might think.
If you’re a current SNAP user and want to check your balance, use this website.
If you’re not a current SNAP user and want to know if you’re eligible, learn more here.
Especially when combined with SNAP incentive programs available at some farmers markets and abundant in-season produce, you can get more for your money AND support local farmers.
How to Use SNAP at Your Local Market
FIND A SNAP-AUTHORIZED FARMERS MARKET
VISIT THE MARKET INFORMATION BOOTH
Look for the “Use Your Food Stamp (EBT) Card Here!” banner.
CHOOSE HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO SPEND & GET YOUR TOKENS
Make sure to ask if the market participates in any SNAP incentive programs!
GO SHOPPING!
Look for signs at the vendor booths that say “SNAP Benefits Accepted Here!”
A Few Things to Know About Your Tokens
YOU CAN BUY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS USING SNAP TOKENS:
Fruits and vegetables
Seeds and plants that grow food
Breads
Meat, fish, poultry
Dairy products
Maple and honey products
Baked Goods: wrapped, labeled, and intended for home consumption
Jams, sauces, soups, etc
YOU CANNOT BUY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS USING SNAP TOKENS:
Beer, wine, or liquor
Tobacco products
Nonfood items
Food meant to be eaten on-site
Hot foods
Vitamins and medicines
TOKENS DON’T EXPIRE
If you don’t use all of your tokens, you can save them for next time or return to the market booth and exchange your tokens for a refund to your EBT card.
TOKENS ARE MARKET-SPECIFIC
They can only be used at the market specified on the token.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Explore FAQs to get answers.
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Tokens are available using your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card so there is no cost to you.
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There is no minimum or maximum amount of tokens required
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The vendor you purchased from will either add an additional product to bring the sale to an even dollar amount or you can add your own cash for the difference. Vendors are not allowed to give cash change for any tokens.
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No, the only way you can obtain tokens is by using your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card.
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Tokens have no expiration date, so you can keep your unused tokens for the next time you shop the market. However, if you prefer, unused tokens may be exchanged at the token booth for a refund back onto your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card. Tokens can never be returned for cash.
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Many farmers market vendors accept SNAP, usually in the form of SNAP tokens. Look for the sign “SNAP Accepted Here” to find vendors that accept SNAP.
Explore our map to see if your local market accepts SNAP.
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These are two separate programs that are distributed by WIC Offices and the Office of the Aging.
FMNP coupons are distributed to those participating in the WIC program; it is a once-a-season benefit that provides coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers markets. The FMNP coupons cannot be used to purchase tokens.
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You can check your benefits account balance online here. The receipt you receive when you get your tokens at the market will also show your balance.
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There are over two hundred farmers markets in New York state that are participating in this program. However, some markets have not yet acquired the wireless terminals needed to accept your card. To find a participating market near you, use the market locator.
Resources for SNAP Users
Canning Guide
Canning food is a great way to enjoy your favorite fresh produce throughout the year. If you are going to can fruits and vegetables, it is recommended to do so within 6-12 hours after purchase. This will preserve freshness and nutritional value. For more information on how to can, take a look at USDA’s canning guide.
Proper Storage
Not all fresh food belongs in the refrigerator! Follow this chart as a guideline for optimal taste and shelf life.
ROOM TEMPERATURE
Basil
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Most root vegetables
Onions, garlic, and shallots
BEST IN THE FRIDGE
Apples
Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, collard greens)
Berries
Cucumbers
Celery
Carrots
Broccoli
Produce Handling
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO MINIMIZE YOUR RISK OF A FOODBORNE ILLNESS:
Before washing produce, wash your hands! Use warm water and soap and lightly scrub your fingernails on the opposite palm. Repeat on the other side for at least 20 seconds total.
Make sure your kitchen is clean. Used cutting boards, old sponges, dirty utensils or plates, and cluttered counters are all potential contamination sources. Routinely wash your dishes and scrub your sink.
Wash the produce directly under the faucet with cool water. If you have a spray nozzle, use this instead. Vigorously rub the produce with your hands or use a clean scrub brush. Experts suggest that produce wash products do not improve the cleaning process.
If you pre-cut or peel your produce, it must be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. If you refrigerate your produce, the FDA recommends keeping it at 40 degrees or below.
PRODUCE SEASONALITY
Fruit & Vegetables by the Season
Learn about the seasons of produce, and when you can expect to find specfic items at the farmers market.
NUTRITION
Nutrition Resources
Before heading to the market, familiarize yourself with nutrition basics. That way, you can make smart, healthy choices while you shop. Explore the following resources to empower you to eat for better health!
A Wealth of Resources for Healthy Eating
Senior-Specific Nutrition information
Child Nutrition Knowledge Center
Free Nutrition Classes and Information through “Eat Smart New York”
Produce-Related Nutrition Information
“Just Say Yes” to Fruit and Vegetables with these Valuable Nutrition Tips and Resources
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SNAP Brochure
Download and print this brochure for tips on using your SNAP benefits at market!
