North Carolina's SNAP Double Bucks program doubles food credits for fresh produce

The state of North Carolina is continuing its SNAP Double Bucks program, an initiative designed to extend the purchasing power of individuals receiving food assistance. This program provides additional credits specifically for fruits, vegetables, and other fresh foods at participating establishments.

When recipients use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, the program automatically doubles the value of their purchases. The official Double Up Food Bucks organization states, "In North Carolina, the program doubles the value of your fruit and vegetable purchases when you use your EBT card." Limits and eligible items can differ based on the specific region and the participating store.

In Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, the program allows SNAP purchases to be doubled up to a limit of $50 per visit. For example, spending $40 from one's EBT balance yields an additional $40 for approved items. In the western part of the state, the MountainWise network administers the initiative, allowing benefits to be used at various stores, farmers' markets, and food hubs.

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In North Carolina, the program doubles the value of your fruit and vegetable purchases when you use your EBT card.

The additional credit from Double Bucks is exclusively for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. The original SNAP funds can be used for a broader range of authorized food items. At farmers' markets, the produce often comes from local North Carolina crops. The program explicitly prohibits the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or prepared hot meals.

Participation is open to anyone already receiving SNAP benefits with an active EBT card; no additional enrollment is required. Beneficiaries simply need to visit a participating location and use their card to activate the benefits. Information on participating locations can be found on the websites of Double Up Food Bucks and MountainWise for western North Carolina, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council for the Charlotte area.

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With participating establishments throughout the state, it's easy to enjoy double the fruits and vegetables at a location near you.