Once again, The Hunger Coalition and the Wood River Farmers’ Markets are teaming up to increase access to fresh, locally grown food for those in need with Fresh Bucks.

Using Fresh Bucks, people can purchase fresh food at the Ketchum and Hailey Farmers’ Markets with their SNAP dollars. With the help from local sponsors, Fresh Bucks money will be doubled, up to $20 per week.  For individuals living on a tight food budget, this will allow their $20 SNAP dollars to become $40 worth of fresh, healthy food. This offer will be available to participants weekly while funds last.

“This is a chance for community members living on a tight budget to double their SNAP dollars and access fresh, local produce at our farmers’ markets through the Fresh Bucks program,” said Jeanne Liston, Executive Director. “It's a wonderful opportunity to participate in the energetic farmers’ market atmosphere and support local farmers.

The program is simple - participants visit the Fresh Bucks booth at the Ketchum or Hailey location. After swiping their SNAP card, they will receive tokens which will be accepted at farmers’ booths displaying the Fresh Bucks sign. In addition, matching Fresh Bucks tokens up to $20 can be used to purchase the following fresh food items: fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, meat and honey.  Prepared foods such as pies and jams are excluded from this program.

The markets run weekly through mid-October and are in Ketchum on Tuesdays from 2-6pm at the Fourth Street Heritage Corridor and in Hailey on Thursdays from 2-6pm on Main Street next to Sturto’s. Contact The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121 or email: info@thehungercoalition.org for more information on the Fresh Bucks program.

The Hunger Coalition strives to end hunger in our community by providing wholesome food to those in need and by promoting solutions to the underlying causes of hunger through collaboration, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thehungercoalition.org.