Oregon Trail card holders can double their purchasing power at local farmers this season thanks to two programs that allow the markets to match funds.
SNAP recipients can turn up to $20 into up to $40 every week at the Tigard and Bull Mountain Farmers Markets by using an Oregon Trail Card to purchase market tokens that can be spent on fruits and vegetables.
Funding comes from an Oregon Food Bank Double Up Food Bucks grant, allowing each market to match shoppers throughout the season while funding lasts. Tokens, once purchased, have no expiration and can be used to shop anytime the market is operating.
Double Up Food Bucks provide a matching $1 for every SNAP dollar.
Each market uses additional grant funding from the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District to run a second matching program.
Under that match, Farmers Market shoppers can also use the Oregon Trail Card to purchase tokens, turning $15 into $30 that can be used to purchase a wider variety of foods. At Bull Mountain, shoppers can additionally use Farm Direct Checks to buy up to $20 in matched tokens weekly.
Tokens can be purchased at the market information booths. Matching funds are available while they last.
Tigard Farmers Market happens
9 am – 1:30 pm Sundays in Universal Plaza, 9100 Burnham St.
Bull Mountain Farmers Market,
14389 SW Pacific Highway, is open
9 am – 2 pm Saturdays & Sundays.
