2024 FreshMatch Policies

To ensure the sustainability of our services, FRESHFARM is making the following changes to the FreshMatch program for the 2024 main season.

Effective March 1, FRESHFARM’s FreshMatch coupons — SNAP/EBT Bonus (white coupons) and FMNP Bonus (red coupons) — will only be eligible for fresh fruit and vegetable (F&V) purchases across all of our farmers markets and farm stands.

Please note that SNAP shoppers can still purchase SNAP-eligible products using their purple SNAP/EBT coupons (see guide below for details).

These changes are in response to recent policy developments and shifting economic forces, and their goal is to maintain FRESHFARM’s commitment to strategically and responsively allocating our unrestricted resources.

After the significant expansion of SNAP benefits following Washington, DC’s $40 million Give SNAP a Raise Initiative, we anticipate a corresponding increase in SNAP redemption at our markets.  From January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024, all SNAP recipients in the District of Columbia will receive a temporary increase of up to 10% of their household’s federal maximum, on top of what they already receive.

FreshMatch is only partially grant funded; these FreshMatch policy changes will allow us to make the most effective use of our limited unrestricted funding for SNAP/EBT incentive bonus spending and FMNP incentive bonus spending. FRESHFARM is implementing these changes at all of our market locations across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in order to extend the reach of FreshMatch and serve more people effectively, focusing on providing increased access to fresh, nutritious produce.

We realize these changes will be challenging for many. Our team on the ground will be available to support customers in understanding how to use their benefits at market. Customers are always welcome to email hello@freshfarm.org with feedback, questions, and concerns.

Please see our FreshMatch Policy FAQs for more information.

SNAP/EBT and FreshMatch Coupons At-A-Glance

SNAP/EBT Market Coupon 

Eligible Items: SNAP-eligible items (i.e. food meant to be prepared/eaten at home, as well as plant starts used to grow edible food).
NOT valid for hot/ready-to-eat foods, alcohol, or non-food items. No change given.

SNAP FreshMatch Bonus Coupon

Eligible Items: Fruits and vegetables only (includes mushrooms and microgreens).
NOT valid for bread, meat, dairy, eggs, or other non-produce SNAP-eligible foods, prepared/ready-to-eat foods, alcohol, or non-food items. Distributed while funds last. No change given. 

FMNP FreshMatch Bonus Coupon

Eligible Items: Fruits and vegetables only (includes mushrooms and microgreens).
NOT valid for bread, meat, dairy, eggs, or other non-produce SNAP-eligible foods, prepared/ready-to-eat foods, alcohol, or non-food items. Distributed while funds last. No change given.