Beginning February 2015, the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market began participating in the SNAP program.
Individual vendors do not accept the ACCESS card. To shop using SNAP at the Market please follow the steps below:
- Go to the SNAP/EBT booth at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market.
- Swipe your SNAP/EBT card for the amount you wish to spend from your account. You will receive RED tokens. You will also receive the same amount, up to $40 (per customer per card per day), in GREEN tokens good for Florida grown fruits and vegetables only.
- Look for signs at Vendors’ booths for which tokens are accepted. Exchange your RED tokens for any SNAP eligible item. Exchange your GREEN tokens for Florida grown fruits and vegetables only.
Vendors do not give cash change. Tokens come in $5 and $1 increments. The SNAP/EBT booth at the market can exchange one $5 token for five $1 tokens as needed. Tokens do not expire and can only be used at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Treat them just like cash. Lost or stolen tokens are not replaced by the market.
Token Information:
There are 2 types of Tokens:
- SNAP Only (Red)
- Florida Grown Fruits & Vegetables and Florida edible plants and seeds which produce food to eat (Green)
All types of tokens follow these rules:
- Vendors need to sign a vendor agreement to accept them
- No change given
- Tokens do not expire
- Return to Market Manager for weekly reimbursement
SNAP Only Tokens are good for – (Red)
- All fruits & vegetables – no matter their origin
- Bread products, cereals, bakery cakes, granola
- meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, cheese
- Seeds and plants which produce food to eat
- Honey
- Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream (packaged to eat at home, NOT ready to eat)
Florida Grown Fruits & Vegetables Tokens are good for – (Green)
- Florida grown fruits and vegetables – whole, unprocessed
- Seeds and plants which produce food to eat
Green = the free money, “the incentive”, double up bucks, that doesn’t exceed $40 per person, per card, per market visit (with the exception of unlimited match until August 31, 2020).
The FRESH ACCESS BUCKS Program at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market is funded through a grant from Feeding Florida.
Learn more with these DOWNLOADS:
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CUSTOMER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I check my balance?
No, we are not allowed to check balances. But your balance is printed on the bottom of your receipt after purchase.
No cash given. Tokens cannot be returned for cash. Lost tokens are not replaced. Tokens do not expire.
Can I buy fruits and vegetables with the RED tokens?
Yes. All SNAP eligible items can be purchase with RED tokens. Only GREEN tokens are restricted to FLORIDA produce.
Can vendors give me change?
No. They may have tokens from previous shoppers and be able to break a $5 token of the SAME COLOR. If not, customers must use tokens and cash to reach the purchase price. Customers can also come to the EBT booth to exchange $5 tokens for $1 tokens.
Where does the FAB money come from?
The FAB program is funded by a grant from Feeding Florida.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. We ask that you keep your tokens to shop another day. But if you must have a refund, it can be given. You must however return an equal amount in GREEN tokens to be able to get a refund for your red tokens.
Which vendors take tokens?
The vendors display a sign with the information about which tokens they accept. If, for some reason, you don’t see a sign, feel free to ask. 90% of eligible vendors accept tokens.
Can I return on the same day and buy more tokens?
Yes, however, the maximum amount we match PER DAY is $40, so if you have already received the maximum match, you will not be given additional green tokens with your second purchase.