PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (AMHARIc)PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (simplified Chinese)PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (traditional Chinese)PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (Russian)PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (Spanish)PRODUCE PLUS FAQS (Vietnamese)
2024 Produce Plus: How to Enroll and FAQs
STEP 1:
Complete the Produce Plus application form for the 2024 season. Enrollment in Produce Plus is not guaranteed year to year, so please plan to submit a new application even if you participated last year.
STEP 2:
After completing the application form, FRESHFARM will reach out to let you know if and when you are removed from the waitlist and accepted to the program.
If approved for the program, you will receive your Confirmation Code via your stated communication preference: phone, email, or text.
If waitlisted for the program, you will receive notice via your stated communication preference: phone, email, or text.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of spots in the program. The program design allows us to add more participants from the waitlist later in the season, based on the enrollment numbers. Notices for the first potential round of waitlist additions will be sent to participants in August.
STEP 3:
If you are enrolled in the program, you will need to complete an in-person residency check at a farmers market or community location in order to receive your benefits. A list of locations will be made available shortly.
STEP 4:
Once Produce Plus begins on June 1st, approved participants can use their Produce Plus card to shop at any participating farmers market, mobile market, urban farm, or farm stand location. Customers can choose which market to shop at and which eligible products to buy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I pick up my Produce Plus card?
Starting in June, you can pick up your Produce Plus card at participating farmers markets and various community locations.
How do I check my balance?
You can check your Produce Plus benefits card balance at any time. Here’s what to do:
- Go to the balance checker website
- Type in your Last Name and your Produce Plus Loyalty Number (12 digits; starts with “FR” on the back of your card)
- Click the “Check” button
- Now you may review your current Produce Plus benefits card balance!
It’s best to perform this check from a computer or tablet while connected to a secure Wi-Fi connection.
You can also contact FRESHFARM at produceplus@freshfarm.org or call/text (202)888-4834 to sign up to receive text message receipts.
Additionally, participants who applied to the program with a phone number that can receive texts will automatically receive a receipt upon completing a transaction.
What happens if I lose my Produce Plus card or Confirmation Code?
If you lose your card, you can still access your Produce Plus benefits at the market if you have your Confirmation Code
If you lose both your card and Confirmation Code, we can pull your enrollment using additional information you provided; please contact FRESHFARM for assistance: produceplus@freshfarm.org or call (202) 888-4834
When will benefits be loaded onto my card?
On the 1st of every month, June through November
Where can I spend my Produce Plus benefits?
You may spend your benefits at any eligible Produce Plus farmers market or market location. There are more than 40 eligible markets across the District! View them in the 2024 Market Guide.
What can I purchase with my Produce Plus benefits?
Eligible Produce Plus foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, including herbs
Non-eligible Produce Plus foods: Honey and any non-produce items
*Note: If you also receive Senior Farmers Market benefits through Grocery Plus, you are able to spend those Senior Farmers Market benefits on honey at participating markets.
Can someone else pick up my card? Can someone else shop for me?
Yes, someone may shop on your behalf. To pick up a card on someone’s behalf, please bring their Confirmation Code and a copy of their proof of DC residency to a market or in-person event. To shop on someone’s behalf, you must bring their Produce Plus card or Register ID to the farmer.
If you are listed as someone’s Proxy as a part of 2024 enrollment, that will help you receive program information on their behalf. You do not need to be someone’s Proxy in order to shop for them; please follow the steps above.
What happens if I don’t spend some or all of my benefits for the month?
Unused benefits do not roll over or accumulate.
Lots of ID numbers? Huh?
You will receive different unique numbers when you enroll:
- Confirmation Code (program approval; generated by FRESHFARM as a part of enrollment)
- Card code (a 3 to 5 digit code – this is on the back of the physical card in the bottom right corner)
- Farmers Register Register ID (12 digit code that customers use to spend benefits with the farmer – this is on the back of the physical card under the barcode)
If you have questions or concerns, please contact: produceplus@freshfarm.org or leave a voicemail at (202) 888-4834
Proof of D.C. Residency (only need to show one)
- Any income document or ID with DC address *Must be issued within the past 24 months*
- Bill with current address (medical, cable, credit card, utility)
- Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Voter Registration Card)
- DC Metro Access Card
- Lease, Rental Receipt, or Letter from Landlord
- Shelter affidavit, verification, or letter
- Vehicle Registration
Questions? Please email produceplus@freshfarm.org or call (202) 888-4834 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday to speak to a representative.