What is Double Up Food Bucks?

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a nutrition incentive program that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to enable EBT cardholders to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Shoppers will receive a matching credit for every dollar spent on fresh produce. The program doubles the value of fruits and vegetables by giving EBT cardholders a $1:$1 match for purchases on qualifying produce items.

The Double Up Food Bucks Oregon Grocery Pilot Program is possible thanks to a $1.5 million investment approved by the State of Oregon in the 2019-2021 biennial budget, and the collaborative expertise of the Farmers Market Fund, Oregon Food Bank, Oregon Farmers Markets Association, and the Portland CSA Coalition. The Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program has been active at farmer's markets around the state since 2015, and the additional funding expands the program to local grocery stores for the first time.

Who is eligible for DUFB and where can it be earned/redeemed?

Shoppers with EBT benefits are eligible to participate in DUFB. In Oregon, there are active DUFB programs at over 50 farmers market locations, and DUFB is currently being piloted at 6-10 grocery stores across the state in 2020-2021.

At this time, DUFB benefits must be redeemed at the same location at which they are earned. EBT cardholders are eligible to participate in any available DUFB programs at any location, but benefits earned at one location do not transfer to another. In other words, DUFB benefits earned at the Co-op must also be redeemed at the Co-op, and can not be spent at a farmers market location, or vice versa.

What products are eligible for earning DUFB?

Fresh fruits and vegetables in their natural state with no added sugar, salt, or preservatives are eligible for this program. Edible plant starts and seeds are also eligible.

Canned and frozen items, bagged salad kits with dressing, and fruit cups or juices with added sugar are not permitted. Self-service salad bar or fresh-cut fruit items are also not permitted.

What products are eligible for redeeming DUFB?

Fresh fruits and vegetables in their natural state with no added sugar, salt, or preservatives are eligible for this program. Edible plant starts and seeds are also eligible.

Canned and frozen items, bagged salad kits with dressing, and fruit cups or juices with added sugar are not permitted. Self-service salad bar or fresh-cut fruit items are also not permitted.

Is there a limit on the amount of DUFB benefits I can use at one time?

There is a limit of $20 per day that can be earned in DUFB benefits per visit. Shoppers receive a matching credit for every dollar spent on fresh produce – up to $20 per visit. Shoppers can not earn DUFB on items that were purchased using DUFB benefits. There is no limit on the amount of DUFB that can be redeemed in a single transaction.

How do I earn DUFB?

To participate in the DUFB program at Medford Food Co-op, please complete our easy sign up form, available in-store or online. Once your DUFB account has been created, we will email you to confirm that you are eligible to start earning benefits.

After your account set-up is complete, our point of sale system will automatically track purchases of eligible produce items. When the cashier asks if you are an owner at checkout, please give them your last name so they can look up your DUFB account to associate with your transaction.

Double Up Food Bucks have to be earned before they can be redeemed. The program works as a $1 for $1 match. When you spend $1 on fresh produce with your EBT card, you earn $1 to spend on your next transaction.

How do I redeem DUFB?

Double Up Food Bucks have to be earned before they can be redeemed. The program works as a $1 for $1 match. When you spend $1 on fresh produce with your EBT card, you earn $1 to spend on your next transaction.

To redeem DUFB benefits, ask your cashier to apply any (or a specific dollar amount) of eligible benefits before tendering your transaction. When the cashier asks if you are an owner, please give them your last name so they can look up your DUFB account and apply eligible benefits.

Do DUFB benefits expire?

Yes, earned benefits have a 60 day expiration date. There is no limit on the amount of earned benefits you can redeem on a transaction.

How can I receive a refund on a DUFB purchase?

We are able to accept returns of DUFB eligible produce items purchased with EBT tender. Returned DUFB eligible items will reduce your eligible benefits by the amount of the returned item(s).

We are not able to accept returns of produce items purchased with DUFB benefits. If you have a product quality issue, please let us know and we will work with you to replace the product.

Why isn’t this program available to non-EBT shoppers?

This is a state funded program only available to EBT cardholders to ensure they have the opportunity to use their benefits to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Cost is often listed as one of the primary challenges facing food insecure households when asked about barriers to eating fruits and vegetables at home. The DUFB program helps to overcome some of the barriers to healthy eating experienced by low income shoppers.

If I have an EBT card from another state, can I participate in DUFB?

You can earn DUFB with an EBT card from any state, but the benefits can only be redeemed at the specified participating retailer(s).

How can I find out more information?

If you have any additional questions or concerns about Double Up Food Bucks, please contact us at outreach@medfordfood.coop.