(P20-104-24) Impact of a SNAP Nutrition Incentive Program on Farmers Market Vendors

Objectives: Double Up Food Buck (DUFB) Heartland is a nutrition incentive program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants that is offered at participating farmers markets and grocery stores in Kansas and Missouri. The goals of the DUFB program are to increase access to fresh produce for SNAP recipients, support local farmers, and support the local economy. The objective of this study was to better understand the impact of DUFB on sales and operations of vendors at participating farmers markets.

Methods: In 2022 and 2023, on-site surveys were completed at farmers markets with vendors participating in the DUFB program. Vendors were asked questions related to their experience with DUFB, impact of the program on their sales and operations, and any challenges they had experienced with implementing the program.

Results: A total of 94 surveys were completed with farmers market vendors participating in the DUFB program. Approximately 65% of vendors had been selling at their market for five or more years. A majority of vendors reported they had between one and ten DUFB customers purchase produce from them in a typical week at the market. Most vendors reported that participating in DUFB had resulted in them making more money, developing a new customer base, and selling more fruits and vegetables. Some vendors also reported participating in DUFB had resulted in them making changes to their operations, such as increasing the variety of crops grown or putting more land into production. Although vendors reported some challenges with DUFB, such as making sure customers understood the program, most vendors felt that offering DUFB made their market stronger. Additionally, all vendors would recommend DUFB to other farmers market vendors. Many vendors commented that they enjoyed the opportunity to bring in a new customer base who might not otherwise purchase from them and help SNAP participants access healthy food options.

Conclusions: Vendors reported positive impacts from offering the DUFB program at their farmers markets, including selling more fruits and vegetables, developing a new customer base, making more money, and strengthening their market.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture