Using EBT cards at farmers markets

Step 1: Locate the EBT booth. Booths often have a sign that says “EBT/Credit/Debit Accepted Here.”

Step 2: The terminal manager will swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend. Enter your PIN. You will receive wooden tokens, or some other type of scrip, for the amount swiped.

Step 3: Use your scrip to purchase eligible items from any vendor that accepts EBT. Eligible vendors will display signs indicating they accept EBT in their booths.

Option 1: “Window shop” at all of the vendors’ booths to create a list of the goods you want to purchase and their prices.

Option 2: Before shopping, determine an amount to spend at the market based on your budget.

• Because individuals are able to use both EBT and credit or debit cards at a farmers market, a market will issue two different types of scrip — one for EBT users and one for credit and debit card users; see the wooden token examples at right. Two types of scrip are necessary because EBT scrip can only be used for eligible items, and no change is given for EBT scrip.
• Please note that some farmers markets only accept “food benefit” not “cash benefit” from EBT cards.

The following items can be purchased with an EBT card:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish, eggs and dairy products
• Honey and maple products
• Jams, jellies, pickles and sauces
• Baked goods
• Seeds and plants that produce food

The following items cannot be purchased with an EBT card:

• Food items intended for immediate consumption at the market, such as coffee or prepared hot foods.
• Non-food items, such as crafts, clothes, or flowers.
• Produce that is intended for ornamental purposes only, such as gourds or carving pumpkins.