Food Access

The Renton Farmers Market is committed to providing fresh, healthy, local foods for everyone.

The Food Access program is a win-win for the Renton Farmers Market.  Those in our community who rely on EBT/SNAP/WIC can now purchase fresh, healthy, local foods and farmers can expect to see additional sales.

Use EBT at the Market

You can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy local, healthy foods at Renton Farmers Market!

Here is how it works: at the market info booth, market staff will swipe your EBT card for the amount you request. You will be given Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) snap bucks in $1 increments to buy fresh foods (anything except cut flowers, alcohol, and food/drink that is intended to be consumed on site). The bucks never expire and are good only at the Renton Farmers Market.

Vendors cannot give change back on tokens, so consider bringing some extra coin change with you to make your purchases.

For information on applying for EBT benefits call 1.877.501.2233 or visit the website.

Introducing SNAP Market Match (formerly known as Fresh Bucks)

This is an exciting opportunity for shoppers to maximize their SNAP funds while shopping at the market. SNAP Market Match are dollar-sized paper vouchers redeemable for all fresh fruit and vegetable purchases at any participating farmers market in King County.  SNAP Market Match come in amounts of $1. Change cannot be given. Individuals receive an a dollar-for-dollar match of their SNAP spending (up to $40) at the market, increasing their ability to buy healthy, fresh fruits and veggies.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to the market info booth.
2. Swipe your EBT card and redeem your desired amount of SNAP bucks.
3. Double your EBT dollars up to $40!
   • For every SNAP dollar you spend, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar match in SNAP Market Match. For example: spend $6 in SNAP, receive another $6 in additional produce; spend $20 in SNAP, receive $20 in produce.
4. Shop from any eligible vendor using your SNAP Bucks.

SNAP Market Match 1) Can only be used to purchase fresh produce such as: fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetable starts 2) Can be used at any of the farmers markets that accept SNAP Market Match and 3) Expire at the end of the 2021 Farmers Market season (expiration listed on the voucher).

Use WIC / Senior FMNP at the Market 

The Renton Farmers Market also participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). This program offers checks to those in the Women’s, Infant’s and Children’s (WIC) program as well as the Senior FMNP program. FMNP checks are specifically for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. WIC checks are distributed by WIC staff at the Renton Farmers Market, while Senior FMNP vouchers are mailed to applicants selected in the lottery.

Look for farm booths displaying this sign at the market to use your WIC or Senior FMNP checks.

Vendors cannot give cash change - you must spend the entire amount of the check, so consider bringing some extra coin change with you to make your purchases.

For more information about WIC FMNP, please call 1-800-841-1410 or visit the website.

For more information about the Senior FMNP, please call Senior Information and Services at 206-448-3110 or visit the website.  Applications are available each spring (mid-April) from the Seattle/King County Office of Aging and Disability Services, and may also be available at the Renton Senior Activity Center and generally due mid-May.

Food Access Partnerships across Washington State

Learn more about Food Access efforts by Farmers Markets across Washington State.