Farmers Markets in Oregon have been awarded $1.5 million from the state to expand the SNAP Double Up Food Bucks program for low income residents.

The program helps SNAP participants access fresh fruits and vegetables. For every dollar spent on SNAP-eligible foods at participating farmers markets, Double Up Food Bucks recipients will now receive an additional dollar to spend on Oregon-grown fruits and veggies.

Over 600,000 Oregonians, more than a third of whom are children, currently receive SNAP benefits.

“We’re delighted the state of Oregon has chosen to invest in Double Up Food Bucks,” says Molly Notarianni, Farmers Market Fund program director. “It’s a triple win: these state funds will uplift Oregon farmers, families, and local economies.”

For nearly a decade, Farmers Market Fund has worked to connect SNAP participants with local produce. Additionally, they’ve partnered with Oregon Food Bank since 2015 to offer the Food Bucks program at 53 farmers markets and 31 farm shares across 16 Oregon counties.

The program will also expand into select grocery outlets, allowing for greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables in areas of the state not currently served by farmers markets.