By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension is working with grocery stores, farmers markets, and community partners to help families get more value from their food budgets. The program, called Double Up Food Bucks South Dakota, gives SNAP participants more purchasing power when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables.
The program is available to people who use an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Shoppers do not need to complete a separate application because they are automatically eligible when they use their EBT card at participating locations.
As part of the partnership, eight Buche Foods and Buche Gus Stop locations now participate in the program. The stores are located in Gregory, Wagner, Mission, Pine Ridge, Oacoma, Mobridge, Wanblee, and Lower Brule. At these locations, eligible shoppers can receive a match of up to $10 per purchase when they use SNAP benefits to buy qualifying fruits and vegetables.
The program is designed to make healthy foods more affordable while also supporting businesses in local communities. When families can spend more of their food budget on fresh produce, grocery stores and other local businesses can benefit from increased customer spending.
“Grocery stores are economic anchors in rural communities. When families have more purchasing power, those dollars don't stop at the checkout. They support jobs, businesses and the communities we call home,” said R.F. Buche, president of G.F. Buche Company.
Double Up Food Bucks is also part of SDSU Extension’s Food Is Medicine efforts. The program focuses on improving access to nutritious foods and helping people make healthier choices.
“We know that good nutrition is one of the most important lifestyle factors for preventing and managing chronic disease,” Bastian said. “This program allows for better healthy food access in our most vulnerable communities, allowing all South Dakotans the same opportunity to live healthy lives and raise healthy families.”
Cost is a major concern for many families when choosing fruits and vegetables. Rising grocery prices can make it harder for households to purchase fresh and nutritious foods regularly. The matching program helps reduce some of that cost.
“We know many South Dakotans want to put more fruits and vegetables on the table, but rising grocery costs can make that challenging,” Meuleners said. “Double Up Food Bucks helps SNAP participants stretch their food budgets by turning one apple into two or one bag of carrots into two. It's a simple way to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible."
For G.F. Buche Company, the program also supports its goal of serving the communities where its stores operate.
“At G.F. Buche Company, we want families to have more than enough food. We want them to have access to healthy choices that help them thrive. Double Up Food Bucks helps make that possible,” Buche said.
The program can also benefit rural communities beyond individual shoppers. Local schools, health care providers, tribal programs, churches, food pantries, employers and other organizations can help share information about Double Up Food Bucks and connect eligible families with available resources.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Business