We know many SNAP shoppers might only receive 65% of their November SNAP allotment. The Produce Perks program is still available to help people make the most of the benefits they receive this November. 

The Produce Perks program provides a $1-for-$1 match on SNAP/EBT purchases. This means that when you shop with your SNAP/EBT card, Produce Perks matches up to $25 at farmers' markets and $15 at grocery stores. Matching dollars can only be spent on fruits and vegetables.

You do not have to sign up for the Produce Perks program. Simply shop at the farmers' market or grocery store with your SNAP/EBT card, and you're ready to go!

Here's how someone shopping with EBT can use Produce Perks to maximize their benefits:

Lea is a Produce Perks shopper in Dayton, Ohio. She usually receives $190 per person each month in SNAP benefits, but might only receive $123 per person this month amid the government shutdown. It's tough to get enough groceries even with the full amount of SNAP; this month will be even harder. Luckily, she can shop at several Dayton grocery stores and farmers' markets with Produce Perks, to stretch her allotment a little further. This week, she's budgeted to spend $70 EBT. With Produce Perks, her purchasing power is doubled, giving her $140 to spend. 

On Saturdays, she likes to shop at 2nd St Market. At the info booth, she swipes her EBT and says she plans to spend $25. She receives $25 EBT tokens and $25 Produce Perks tokens, giving her $50 total to spend at the market. She uses the EBT tokens to buy bread, cheese, chicken, and eggs, and she uses the Produce Perks tokens to buy carrots, onions, radishes, broccoli, turnips, and a pie pumpkin. It's nice to chat with vendors and listen to some live music.

On Tuesday, she's out of bananas, apples, and spinach. Farmers' markets probably won't have those, even if they're open today. She makes a quick stop at Dot's Market in Kettering, and picks up the produce for $15 with her EBT. She gets Produce Perks with her receipt, in the form of three $5 coupons for fruits and vegetables. She tucks them into her wallet for next time. It's good to know she has the coupons for her next visit, even if it's the same day. 

On Thursday, she shops at Gem City Market. It's a co-op market owned by the community. She needs sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, green beans, and collard greens. She spends $15 on her produce with EBT and gets $15 on her Gem City Market loyalty card that she can spend on fruits and veggies in another transaction. She's eyeing the oranges and blackberries; her toddler is having a berry phase.  

The next Saturday, she shops at the Bayer's Melon Farm Market to start getting ready for Thanksgiving. She wants cabbage, pie pumpkins, and some more winter squash. The total is $30, but she gets 50% off her EBT purchase of fruits and veggies with Produce Perks, so she only spends $15 of her EBT. 

By the end of the week, Lea has spent $70 in EBT and brought home $140 worth of food. It's enough to keep her family nourished without sacrificing other essentials.