We Are an Approved EBT/SNAP Retailer
The Janesville Farmers Market actively participates in Wisconsin’s FoodShare benefits program.
Our Market is passionate about connecting the community with local products and encouraging our shoppers to get to know the people who grow, raise and make their food.
We also understand the importance of fostering a healthy lifestyle, and want to ensure that wholesome options are within reach for all individuals. Access to nutritious food should be the standard, rather than a luxury.
FoodShare represents Wisconsin’s implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal initiative previously recognized as food stamps.
Individuals enrolled in FoodShare receive a Quest card, commonly referred to as an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer), which operates much like a debit card.
Our farmers market is equipped with a machine at the Info Booth specifically designed to facilitate EBT transactions, ensuring accessibility for FoodShare participants.
You have the flexibility to use your EBT at any vendor’s booth offering a variety of items such as bakery goods, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, edible plant seedlings, pickles, jams, and more.
It’s important to note that EBT cannot be utilized for the purchase of non-food items, such as flowers or crafts, nor can they be used for hot foods served at food carts.
- Take your Quest or EBT card to the Info Booth and ask to do an EBT transaction. The market has an EBT card reader where you will swipe your card and enter your PIN.
- Decide how much you want to withdraw from your account, and the market staff will give you market tokens in exchange. Our tokens do not expire.
- Use tokens at any JFM vendor that sells SNAP/EBT-eligible products.
If you don’t have FoodShare benefits but think you may qualify, you can apply online. For FoodShare application assistance, call 877-FOOD-365 (877-366-3635) or visit GetAQuestCard.org.
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, catering to WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and seniors, provide annual one-time food benefits to qualifying participants. These benefits come in the form of checks that can be redeemed at local farmers’ markets from June through October. The checks are specifically intended for the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs.
It’s essential to note that this program operates independently of FoodShare. Eligible participants can directly redeem their checks at approved vendors at the farmers’ market.
Please be aware that not all vendors at the Janesville Farmers Market accept FMNP checks. To identify participating vendors, look for a yellow sign displayed at their market stall.
Learn more about the Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Double-Up Food Bucks program
To provide community members with additional access to affordable and healthy foods, the Janesville Farmers Market is partnering with SSM Health for a new Double-Up Food Bucks program in 2025.
The Double-Up Food Bucks program encourages community members who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fresh produce and grocery essentials from local vendors.
Many Janesville Farmers Market vendors accept market tokens, which can be received at the market information booth.
Purchasing EBT tokens is easy:
- Stop by the Janesville Farmers Market Information Booth.
- Present your active SNAP card.
- Choose a dollar amount to be debited from your SNAP account.
- For the Double-Up Food Bucks program, every $5 a SNAP participant purchases in EBT tokens will be matched by SSM Health (up to $15, once per month, while funding lasts).
- EBT tokens can be used to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, honey and more at the market. Note: Items such as crafted gifts, food truck meals, beverages, etc. are excluded from EBT purchase.
