We’re proud to accept EBT/SNAP at the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market, helping increase access to fresh, local, healthy, and affordable food for all community members.

How to Use EBT at the Market

  1. Visit the EBT/Information Tent and decide how much you’d like to spend.

  2. We’ll swipe your EBT card and provide wooden tokens in exchange.

  3. Use the tokens to purchase EBT-eligible food items from participating vendors.

Important details:

  • There is no fee to use EBT at the market.

  • Tokens are available in $1 increments.

  • No change can be given, so purchases should be rounded to the nearest dollar.

  • EBT tokens do not expire and may be saved for future market visits.

  • Tokens may only be used at the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market.

Bonus: Double Your First $10 in EBT!

We match the first $10 in EBT each market day, dollar for dollar!

  • When you use your EBT card, you’ll receive matching funds in Market Bucks at the EBT/Information Tent.

  • Market Bucks can be used just like EBT tokens for EBT-eligible food items.

  • Market Bucks are available in $1 increments and no change can be given.

  • Market Bucks do expire, so we encourage customers to spend these first.

  • You can return on another market day and double your first $10 again.

SNAP/EBT & Market Bucks

What Is EBT?

EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) is the electronic debit card system used to distribute food and cash benefits. Food benefits are provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. The terms EBT and SNAP are often used interchangeably.

To learn more about eligibility, contact the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.

What Can EBT/SNAP Buy?

Eligible Items

  • Breads, grains, and cereals

  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products

  • Seeds and plants that produce food for household consumption

  • Other food products for human consumption

Ineligible Items

  • Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor), cigarettes, or tobacco

  • Non-food items (pet food, soap, paper products, household supplies)

  • Vitamins and minerals

  • Food meant to be eaten on-site

  • Hot foods

EBT at Farmers Markets: A Brief History

In 2006, Midtown Farmers Market became the first farmers market in Minnesota to accept EBT. Since then, markets across the state and country have followed—expanding access to fresh, healthy, and local food for low-income shoppers.

The Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market joined a pilot program in 2009, becoming the third market in Minneapolis to accept EBT.