One of the most powerful initiatives belonging to the food stamp program, now known as SNAP benefits, reaches new locations every day. Now it’s the turn of the residents of San Antonio, Texas, who can enjoy fruits and vegetables at good prices at Chicho Boys Fruit Market and dozens of locations all over the state. But they also have a new advantage: they get their SNAP benefits dollars doubled by shopping there.
It is a program that does not demand too much from the users of the EBT “Lone Star Card”, in a state that has more than 3.4 million beneficiaries, one of the largest populations of families reached by this program. There is no registration, no application, no paperwork required to double your money with the Double Up Bucks system, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
How to Get Double the Food With Half the SNAP Benefits Resources
When a customer uses their SNAP benefits card, the 50% discounts are automatically applied by simply swiping the card through the marketplace payment device. At the Chicho Boys farmers markets in the city, the Healthy Rewards program offers everyone, even those who do not receive SNAP benefits, a 50% discount on purchases of fruits and vegetables over $10, without the need for food benefits. Aren’t these guys lovely and cool?!
This program also benefits local producers, according to Jamie Gonzalez-Stevens, Chicho Boys community development coordinator and president of the San Antonio Food Policy Council. Since implementing the program, Gonzalez-Stevens said the store has seen a 19% increase in EBT sales, indicating that food stamp recipients are buying more fruits and vegetables. For customers, especially older ones on a budget, “this allows them to make the most of their money and access quality food,” Gonzalez-Stevens said.
These kinds of initiatives are crucial in San Antonio, where 17.6% of residents live in poverty and 14% of the population, including one in four children, faces food insecurity. Consuming fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Where Else Are SNAP Benefits — Double Up Bucks Available in Texas?
As we told you, the Double Up Food Bucks program is available in hundreds of cities across the United States and Texas is no exception. According to the program’s local headquarters, more than 50 locations are participating and the addition of new fruit and vegetable retailers as well as farmer’s fairs are being negotiated.
To find your nearest location that offers the Double Up Food Bucks program, log into the Double Up Texas website and click on “Find a Location”. Enter your ZIP code and select the search radius (by default it is placed 10 miles), depending on how much you can move or mobilize.
Some of the retailers in Texas that accept EBT cards and offer Double Up Food Bucks discounts are: Amigos #503 and #508, Bodega Loya, Bonton Farms Market, Bridge Street Farmers Market, Brownsville Farmers’ Market, Chaparral Crossings Farmers Market, Coppell Farmers Market, Cowtown Farmers Market, and dozens more. In some of these places you will have to go to an information booth to get guidance on how the program works there and in others you will just have to do the shopping regularly and go to the checkout. When paying with your EBT card, the 50% discount is automatic. Anyway, always ask before and so your experience will be much simpler and more enjoyable.
