Market Match FAQ
Q: What can I use my tokens on?
A: If you purchase tokens with your FoodShare (SNAP) card, you can buy anything at the market that you would expect to be able to buy at the grocery store. That means, flowers are off limits as well as meal-prepared foods, but enjoy all the fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese, and bread you want!
If you purchase tokens with your credit or debit card, you may spend them on anything!
**Did you know that you can buy food producing plants with your FoodShare?! This might include tomato plants, pepper plants, herb plants, etc. The Jackson County Farmers Market features vendors who sell food producing plants in the spring. Making this purchase once in the spring gives you food all summer long!
Q: Can I get change for my tokens or exchange them for cash?
A: No, unfortunately, because of federal rules associated with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program), no change can be given for your tokens and we cannot exchange them for cash. Each token is worth a dollar, so when purchasing anything of a full dollar amount, you should be good. When purchasing something that costs dollars and change, we suggest using a combination of tokens and change. For example, if you were to buy a loaf of bread for $2.50, use two tokens and two quarters. Otherwise, use three tokens and forfeit your change of $0.50.
Q: Can I use cash to buy tokens?
A: No. The token booth only deals in tokens. You won’t find any cash at the table! All vendors at the market accept cash.
Q: Can I use my tokens at other markets or at the grocery store?
A: No. Tokens you purchase at the Jackson County Farmers Market can only be spent there.
Q: When can I use my tokens?
A: You can use your tokens any market day. For the 2024 summer market, this is Wednesday afternoons or Saturday mornings. Days/times are subject to change.
Q: How many tokens can I buy?
A: You can buy as many tokens as you want. To use the programs most effectively, though, there is a strategy:
When using Market Match with your FoodShare card, you can only receive up to $10 extra per market. Spend $10 and we’ll give you $10 extra. If $20 is enough to do your week’s shopping, we suggest only spending $10 each week, rather than stocking up on your tokens, so as to receive as much matching money as possible
When using the Token Program with your credit or debit card, you pay a $1 fee for every transaction. In this case, you may want to buy more tokens and stock up to save a few bucks. Remember, though, that these transaction fees help to sustain the Token Program. So, if you decide make more transactions of smaller money amounts, your good deed with be greatly appreciated!
Q: Can I donate to Market Match & The Token Program?
A: Yes! If you use the Token Program with your debit or credit card, a $1 transaction fee is charged that goes to pay for the cost of the point-of-sale machine that is used at the token booth. Credit and debit sales are essential to sustain the Token Program. We appreciate your help!
Did we answer your question?
If not, you can direct your questions to Amy Gunderson, RD, CD, Jackson County WIC Supervisor/Dietician at 715-284-4301 ext. 499.
