Ep. 4 Your Guide to Food Access Programs at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market

Jun 14
3 min read

At the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, we believe everyone deserves access to fresh, local, and nutritious food. Food is more than fuel. It’s culture, connection, health, and community. That’s why one of our core missions is making the market accessible to as many people as possible through a variety of food assistance programs. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use your benefits at the market, the answer is likely yes!

Here’s a guide to all of the available programs.

SNAP (Bridge Card)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible households purchase food using their Michigan Bridge Card.

At the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, shoppers can use their Bridge Card to purchase eligible food items from participating vendors, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, baked goods, and many other grocery items.

If you’re already receiving SNAP benefits, you can simply stop by the market information booth to get started.

Double Up Food Bucks

Double Up Food Bucks stretches your food dollars even further.

When you use your SNAP benefits at participating Michigan farmers markets, Double Up matches your purchase, allowing you to bring home even more Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables at no additional cost. In Michigan, shoppers can earn up to $50 per day in matching Double Up benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you qualify for SNAP, you’re automatically eligible for Double Up Food Bucks.

WIC Produce Connection

The WIC Produce Connection program (formerly known as WIC Project FRESH) helps pregnant individuals, new parents, infants, and young children participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program access fresh Michigan-grown produce. Eligible participants receive produce benefits through their WIC account that can be used with authorized growers at participating farmers markets.

If you’re enrolled in WIC, ask your local WIC office about Produce Connection benefits and participating vendors.

Senior Project FRESH

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important at every stage of life.

Senior Project FRESH is designed to help income-eligible older adults access fresh, locally grown produce while supporting Michigan farmers at the same time.

Eligible Michigan residents who are 60 years or older (or 55 years or older for members of federally recognized tribes or urban tribal groups) and who meet income guidelines can apply for seasonal benefits that may be redeemed at participating farmers markets.

If you think you may qualify, your local Area Agency on Aging or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can help you get started.

Prescription for Health

Sometimes healthy food is part of the prescription.

Prescription for Health is a partnership between healthcare providers and local farmers markets that helps eligible patients improve their health through increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Participants are referred through participating healthcare clinics and receive produce prescriptions or vouchers that can be redeemed at the market for fresh, healthy foods.

If you’re interested in the program, ask your healthcare provider whether they participate or visit the Washtenaw County Health Department for more information.

Everyone Deserves Good Food

These programs do more than make groceries affordable.

They support local farmers. They strengthen our local economy. They improve health outcomes. And they ensure that everyone, regardless of income or circumstance, has the opportunity to put fresh food on their table.

If you have questions about any of these programs, stop by the market information booth! Our staff is always happy to help you navigate your options and connect you with the resources you need.

Program Overview Chart:

Program	Who It’s For	What It Helps Purchase
SNAP	Income-eligible households	SNAP Eligible food items
Double Up Food Bucks	SNAP recipients	Extra Michigan-grown fruits & vegetables
WIC Produce Connection	WIC participants	Fresh Michigan-grown produce
Senior Project FRESH	Income-eligible seniors	Fresh fruits, vegetables, and other eligible products
Prescription for Health	Referred patients	Fresh fruits and vegetables