Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Double Up Food Bucks East Tennessee. Not in East Tennessee? Visit the National Network.

Jump To General Farmers’ Markets Getting Involved SNAP, EBT and the Benefits Security Card Jump To

General Program Questions

How does Double Up work?

Double Up matches EBT/SNAP, or food stamp, dollars spent at farm stores and farmers’ markets up to $20 per day. That means families can get free locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables when they use their benefits at participating locations.

Who qualifies for Double Up?

Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible for the program. If you have an EBT Card, you are eligible for Double Up.

Where can I use Double Up Food Bucks?

Multiple locations across East Tennessee participate in Double Up. Find a location or contact us to find a participating site near you.

What can you buy with Double Up Food Bucks?

At the farmers’ markets and farm stores, Double Up Food Bucks can be used to purchase any fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Here’s how it works.

What if there are no participating Double Up sites in my area?

You can recommend a location to us to tell us where you want Double Up to take root in your area.

What if I’m not in East Tennessee?

Double Up Food Bucks is available in many states and is growing every day. Visit Double Up America to find other state programs across the country.

What if I need immediate food help?

Call 211 to be connected with organizations and pantries in East Tennessee. 211 provides free, confidential multilingual information and referral services that connect residents in need with a full range of appropriate community, social, health and government services including housing, food, health facilities, legal and tax assistance, child care, and volunteer opportunities.

Shopping at the Farmers Market

How does Double Up Food Bucks work at farmers’ markets?

For every $1 spent with your EBT Card at participating farmers’ markets, you receive $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on any fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day.

Many markets distribute Double Up Food Bucks as tokens, which can be used at any farmers’ market that participates in Double Up across the state.

What can I buy at farmers’ markets?

EBT Card benefits can be spent on any SNAP-eligible items at the farmers’ market including fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, meat, seeds, and edible plants.

In which months does the program run at farmers’ markets?

Double Up Food Bucks is available at East Tennessee farmers’ markets during the market season. Check our location map to see which participating farmers’ markets near you are open.

Is there a participating farmers’ market near me?

Double Up is provided at farmers’ markets in Anderson, Greene, Knox, Unicoi, Union, and Washington Counties in East Tennessee. Find one close to you.

Is there a minimum amount I must spend?

No, there is no minimum amount. However, at farmers’ markets that use $1 Double Up tokens, you can get the most out of your dollars by spending in increments of $1.

Is there a limit on how much I can spend from my EBT Card at a farmers’ market?

The sky’s the limit! Each day, you can spend as much as you want from your EBT Card. However, Double Up Food Bucks only matches purchases up to $20 per day.

For example, if you use your EBT Card to spend $30 in SNAP benefits at the market, you will receive $20 in Double Up Food Bucks.

How do I get Double Up Food Bucks tokens?

Visit the market office or information booth. When you receive your SNAP tokens, they will match them with Double Up tokens.

Do the Double Up Food Bucks tokens expire?

No, the tokens do not expire.

Can I use the Double Up Food Bucks tokens at locations other than farmers’ markets?

Tokens can be spent only at other participating farmers’ markets that accept tokens.

See what types of incentive-tokens, Double Up card, and more-are accepted at a location near you.

Getting Involved

How can I support the Double Up program?

Tell others about us! We are always happy when people spread the word.

You can also help Double Up take root in your community by volunteering, recommending a location, and more. If you are interested in financially supporting Double Up, you can donate here or contact outreach@nourishknoxville.org for donation or sponsorship opportunities.

What if I’m not in East Tennessee?

Double Up Food Bucks is available in many states and is growing every day. Visit Double Up America to find other state programs across the country.

Are there other ways I can get involved with Double Up?

Get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

SNAP, EBT and the Benefits Security Card

What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

SNAP is a federal food assistance program that provides benefits (formerly called food stamps) so that people in need can purchase healthy food.

Double Up Food Bucks doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets and grocery stores.

Are SNAP, EBT, food stamps and the Benefits Secuirty Card the same thing?

SNAP is the federal program that provides food assistance, often called food stamps, to those who need it. EBT stands for “Electronic Benefits Transfer” and is the mechanism to use SNAP benefits.

In Tennessee, people who are eligible for SNAP are provided a Benefits Security Card. The Benefits Security Card is used to purchase eligible food products and access benefits electronically, through EBT, rather than using paper food stamps and checks.

Do I qualify for SNAP/EBT? How do I get a Benefits Security Card?

Visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html for information about how to qualify for SNAP/EBT.

What is Pandemic EBT?

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program (P-EBT) provides temporary benefits for families that need emergency food during the pandemic.

Can I use my EBT card in another state?

Yes, you can use your EBT card out of state.

What can I buy with my EBT card?

You can use your EBT card to buy groceries and seeds or plants that produce food. Items such as alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, and non-food household items cannot be purchased with EBT.

Can I buy pet food with an EBT card?

No, pet food cannot be purchased with an EBT card.

What if I do not have SNAP?

You can visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html to see if you qualify to receive SNAP and an EBT Card.