Have an EBT card? Earn Double Up Food Bucks at People’s Food Co-op!
Buy $1, get $1 to spend on fresh fruits and veggies.
In cooperation with the Oregon Food Bank, we are excited to launch a program aimed at supporting low-income folks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. The Double Up Food Bucks Oregon Pilot Program is a nutrition increase program that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to enable SNAP shoppers to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Shoppers will receive a matching credit for every dollar spent on fresh produce - up to $20 per visit, per day.
This program is possible thanks to a $4 million investment approved by the State of Oregon in the 2021-2013 biennial budget, and another $2.5 million in federal funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), with the collaborative expertise of the Farmers Market Fund, Oregon food Bank, Oregon Farmers Markets Association, and Pacific Northwest Community Supported Agriculture. The Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program has been active at farmer’s markets around the state since 2015, including People’s own Wednesday Farmers’ Market, and this additional funding expands the program to local grocery stores for the first time.
Cost is often listed as one of the primary challenges facing food insecure communities when asked about barriers to eating fruits and vegetables at home. We are grateful for the opportunity to expand access to fresh foods through the Double Up Food Bucks model. In combination with our commitment to support local farmers, participation in the Double Up Food Bucks program is one of the ways we are making local, organic food readily available to all residents of our community.
Participation in the Double Up Food Bucks program is open to all EBT cardholders regardless of Member-Owner status. To participate in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program at People’s Food Co-op, sign up with a staff member at the register next time you visit People’s. Once your DUFB account has been created, you will start accruing DUFB on your first purchase. If you have any questions about Double Up Food Bucks, please contact our Community Engagement Team at cet@peoples.coop
Double Up Food Bucks Customer F.A.Q.
What is Double Up Food Bucks?
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a nutrition incentive program that matches the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to enable EBT cardholders to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Shoppers will receive a matching credit for every dollar spent on fresh produce. The program doubles the value of fruits and vegetables by giving EBT cardholders a $1:$1 match for purchases on qualifying produce items, up to $20 a transaction.
The DUFB Oregon Grocery Program is possible thanks to a $4 million investment approved by the State of Oregon in the 2021-2013 biennial budget, and another $2.5 million in federal funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), with the collaborative expertise of the Farmers Market Fund, Oregon food Bank, Oregon Farmers Markets Association, and Pacific Northwest Community Supported Agriculture. DUFB has been active at farmers’ markets around the state since 2015, and this additional funding expands the program to local grocery stores for the first time.
Who is eligible for DUFB and where can it be earned/redeemed?
Any shopper with EBT benefits is eligible to participate in DUFB. In Oregon, there are active DUFB programs at over 70 farmers market locations, including here at People's. DUFB is now active at 21 stores across the state. In 2022, Oregon Food Bank will be expanding this program to 25+ stores across 15+ counties with a targeted focus on locations that are culturally specific, stores owned by and serving communities of color, and rural retailers serving within a food desert. Visit https://doubleuporegon.org/ for a complete list of participating grocers and farmers markets.
How do I earn DUFB at People’s Food Co-op?
To participate in the DUFB program at People’s, please fill out an application at the register.
Once your account is set up, our POS system will automatically track your purchases of eligible produce items. During checkout, give your Member-Owner or DUFB account number to your cashier to associate your transaction with your DUFB benefit.
Double Up Food Bucks have to be earned before they can be redeemed. The program works as a $1 for $1 match, so when you spend $1 on fresh produce with your EBT card, you earn $1 to spend on your next transaction.
What products are eligible to earn and redeem DUFB at grocery stores?
Fresh fruits and vegetables in their natural state with no added sugar, salt, or preservatives are eligible for this program. Canned and frozen items, nuts, dried fruit, and fruit juices are not eligible.
How do I redeem DUFB?
To redeem DUFB benefits, ask your cashier to apply any eligible benefits before tendering your transaction. Be sure you have already given the cashier your MO or DUFB number so they can apply your benefits.
Is there a limit on the amount of DUFB benefits I can accrue at one time?
There is a limit to earn $20 per transaction per customer. Customers can not earn additional Double Up benefits on items that were purchased using Double Up benefits.
Is there a limit on the amount of DUFB benefits I can redeem at one time?
There is no limit on the amount of DUFB that can be redeemed in a single transaction.
Will I lose DUFB earnings when I receive a refund on a produce purchase?
Yes, returned DUFB produce items will reduce your earned DUFB benefits by the amount of the returned item(s). We recommend that you exchange items instead, to retain your DUFB.
Can I receive a refund on produce purchased with earned DUFB points?
Double Up Food Bucks points can not be refunded. You may exchange the product for another eligible produce item, but points cannot be re-issued and cash refunds are not allowed.
Why isn’t this program available to non-EBT shoppers?
This is a government program, and is only available to EBT cardholders to enable them to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Cost is often listed as one of the primary barriers food-insecure households face in eating more fresh fruits and vegetables at home. The DUFB program is intended to help overcome this barrier.
If I have an EBT card from another state, can I participate in DUFB?
You can earn DUFB with any state’s EBT card, but the benefits can only be redeemed at the specified participating retailers.
Does DUFB work the same inside People’s and at the Farmers’ Market?
No, our store and Farmers’ Market operate separate DUFB programs. Visit our Farmers’ Market Info Booth or doubleuporegon.org to learn more about how DUFB works at farmers markets.
Why does the Farmers’ Market allow customers to redeem DUFB on items that are not eligible at grocery stores (i.e. beans, dried fruits and herbs, frozen fruits, nuts)?
Double Up Food Bucks is designed to increase shoppers’ access to fresh, local produce, AND to support local farmers’ incomes. Dried fruits, herbs, nuts, etc inside the store are not necessarily from local farms like they are at the Farmers’ Market.
Can Farmers’ Market DUFB vouchers be used inside People’s?
No, Farmers’ Market vouchers can only be redeemed at participating DUFB farmers markets across the state.
Can DUFB earned inside People’s be used at the Farmers’ Market?
No. DUFB benefits earned in our store must be redeemed in our store. They can not be spent at our Farmers’ Market or a different grocery store.
Questions? Call the Co-op (503-232-9051) or email the Community Engagement Team (cet@peoples.coop).
