​
Farmers on the Square exists to improve our community's access to fresh local food products and to support the people who make them. The Fresh Match program ensures that this access means affordable access for all.
​
Through Fresh Match, shoppers at Farmers on the Square have their EBT benefits matched up to $20 per week per recipient; EBT funds include SNAP, WIC, Sun Bucks, and several more assistance programs for families facing food insecurity.
​
We also match the full value of all Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior FMNP benefits. Our produce vendors, who carry fresh fruits and vegetables, are all authorized to receive FMNP and SFMNP checks. After spending your checks with a vendor, you will receive a signed voucher certifying that you have done so; turn these vouchers in at the Market Info Tent for more market funds valid through the end of the year!
What is Fresh Match?
If you have a card that looks like one of these, you can probably get an extra $20 weekly through Fresh Match!
Fresh Match funds are issued as coupons that can be spent on any SNAP-eligible items at Farmers on the Square. Established USDA rules regarding the types of food to be purchased with your benefits will remain in place. If you're interested in using Fresh Match, stop by the Market Information Tent during market hours to learn more and get your extra funds! The Market Info Tent is located near the gate leading into the First Presbyterian Church courtyard, near Talking Breads and LEAF Project. Our friendly, experienced volunteers will walk you through the matching process and explain how to use each of the types of coupon you will receive. You can also see the coupon types explained below with examples.
​​​
This season of the Fresh Match program is made possible by substantial support from the Partnership for Better Health and generous donations from community members and organizations, especially UPMC, the LEAF Project, and Doug LeGore Media. Click here to support Fresh Match yourself!
EBT Coupons represent money withdrawn from your account. They never expire and can be spent on anything SNAP-eligible. Like the other coupons, cash change cannot be given.
Fresh Match Coupons are our matching funds community donors and grants. The color changes annually to reflect their expiration date at the end of each calendar year; 2025 Fresh Match coupons have an orange edge. Otherwise, they can be used just like EBT coupons (on any SNAP-eligible products). These comprise 50% of the matching funds customers receive through EBT, and 100% of the funds used to match FMNP and SFMNP checks.
Food Bucks are matching funds contributed by our partners at The Food Trust. The design changes somewhat from year to year, but they are always in $2 denominations and may ONLY be spent on fresh produce (fruits and vegetables). Food Bucks generally expire at the end of the year that they are issued, but check your Food Bucks' printed expiration date to be certain. 50% of all EBT matching funds will be Food Bucks. Food Bucks Rx and $10 Food Bucks distributed by other organizations CANNOT be spent at Farmers on the Square, ONLY $2 Food Bucks.