June 2017
Iowa Double Up Food Bucks
Iowa’s statewide healthy food incentive program, Double Up Food Bucks is available at 13 sites across 8 counties this summer. A program led by the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, Double Up Food Bucks increases low-income shoppers’ purchasing power for fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.
Here’s how Double Up works: Double Up matches the value of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program called Food Assistance in Iowa) purchases made at the market with additional dollars to spend on fresh, locally grown produce. For instance, a family that spends $10 in SNAP benefits at a participating farmers market receives an additional $10 in Double Up Food Bucks to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.
The wins are three-fold: Low-income families eat more healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy. Each has a ripple effect of benefits.
In 2016, the program reached over 1,000 SNAP recipients resulting in more than $25,000 worth of fresh healthy foods being purchased from Iowa family farmers. Based on program evaluation, 94 percent of SNAP shoppers reported eating more fruits and vegetables and 74 percent of farmers reported making more money because of Double Up Food Bucks. With increased sites in 2017, Double Up Food Bucks aims to serve nearly 5,000 Iowa SNAP households resulting in $100,000 of fresh, healthy food being taken home from Iowa markets and directly benefit over 300 participating Iowa farmers.
The program’s success is rooted in partnerships — with local markets who bring it to life in their communities, organizations who help extend its impact with targeted outreach and complementary programming, and major statewide organizations including AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa and United Healthcare who generously provide financial support.
Partnership Opportunities: Double Up Food Bucks would not exist — much less be such a success — without the support of our partners. Double Up Food Bucks Partnership Opportunities
Get involved with Double Up Food Bucks:
Volunteer: Join the Double Up Food Bucks Volunteer Network! Learn More!
Spread the Word: Double Up’s success is grounded in a network of partners who help spread the word.
Become a Double Up Location or Vendor: Applications are taken on a rolling basis. Apply today!