South Bend Farmers Market offering double the fresh produce with SNAP benefits

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Over 600,000 people rely on SNAP benefits in Indiana alone. While these benefits are accepted in many places across Michiana, the South Bend Farmers Market has taken it one step further, offering you double the produce for half the price.

The double up program has been around for a couple years now but with big shifts in what you can purchase with your benefits, this program may be able to help make the transition easier.

Diana Franks, South Bend Farmers Market Manager, says, "Through double up you stop in at the office, scan your EBT card and we will double up to $20. You will get your regular SNAP certificates and then you'll get a second set of double up certificates to use at the vendors."

This program is only for the booths that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and edible plant starts. Booth's will take SNAP benefits throughout the market, but by stopping by the office you can get double the food. ABC57's Sidney Moore spoke with Mark Hetler, the owner of Hetler Farms, who says that between 15 and 20% of their business comes from those with SNAP benefits, so this program really benefits individuals if they use the program.