Farmers Market Fund

Mission

Our work comes from the core belief that no person should be denied access to the foods they need to eat well. Farmers Market Fund makes healthy, locally grown food accessible to under-served Oregonians by doubling SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) at more than 100 Oregon farmers markets and farm stands, through our Double Up Food Bucks program. Double Up provides a dollar for dollar match on SNAP purchases, up to $20 per day at farmers markets, helping families bring home more fresh produce while keeping dollars in the pockets of small, local farmers and helping local economies thrive.
 

Bottom Line for Portland

Donating to Farmers Market Fund is a triple win that supports families, farmers, and Oregon's local economies. 

In 2024, we are prepared to distribute more than $753,610 in Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) incentives directly to 56,000 SNAP shoppers at 31 farmers markets in the Metro area.

Oregon has the 10th highest cost of living in the nation, yet one-quarter of Oregon’s jobs pay $20 or less per hour. Inflation has caused grocery budgets to become even tighter, with the price of fruits and vegetables increasing by 6% since 2023. SNAP benefits are one of our most important tools in fighting hunger and poverty and Oregon has the highest SNAP participation rates nationwide, with nearly 100% of eligible residents enrolled. This makes programs like Double Up especially effective at lowering food insecurity in the state. 

Yet even with SNAP, price remains one of the biggest barriers to eating a nourishing diet. Double Up poses a simple yet effective solution to this price gap. By putting more food dollars into the pockets of shoppers, we empower families to choose foods that are high quality, nutritious, and also fit within their cultural and dietary preferences. National data shows that this works, with Double Up participants eating more fruits and vegetables than the average American.

Last year, shoppers told us that as a result of Double Up: 
*86% reported the amount of food in their house increased
*89% reported purchasing more fresh produce
*87% reported an increase in farmers markets attendance

Quote

“[Double Up Food Bucks] is VERY necessary to feed and nourish ourselves and our growing children. When we are plentiful with fruits and veg after visiting the farmers market, everyone is THRIVING!  Mentally and physically so much better. We all sleep better and focus better at school & work. I cannot say loudly enough how crucial DUFB is for the community.”

-Farmers Market shopper & Double Up participant 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We recognize that an equitable food system cannot exist within an inequitable society: as a direct result of structural racism and white supremacy, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color living in Oregon perpetually experience the highest levels of hunger. 

Double Up is a program rooted in equity: putting more food dollars into the pockets of Oregonians to choose nourishing food with dignity and opening up access to community spaces.

Farmers Market Fund commits to centering anti-racism, racial equity, and inclusion in our programs, operations, culture, and advocacy. Find more info about how we're engaging with DEIJ work.

Incentives

Sasquatch HR and Beneficial State Bank will match the first $3,500 in donations.

New Seasons Market and ECOnorthwest will match $3,500 of donations made in December. 

Winery Wednesdays: Donate on a Wednesday or follow the instructions on our social media post from November 13th to enter to win! Three lucky winners will be randomly drawn for the following prizes:

      Troon Vineyard gift certificate for a private tasting for up to 6 people at their McMinnville location
      Troon Vineyard gift certificate for a private tasting for up to 6 people at their Applegate Valley location. 
      Willamette Valley Vineyards private winery tour and tasting for 2-8 guests- includes flight of wines and a light cheese tray. At their Salem Hills location ($320 value)

On Friday, December 13th Rubinette Produce Market (inside Providore Fine Foods), will donate 20% of proceeds to Farmers Market Fund's Give!Guide campaign!  

Local Food Trivia! Join us on Monday, December 16th at Migration Brewery for local food trivia with Friends of Family Farmers (FoFF)! Proceeds for team sign ups and a percentage of drink revenue will be donated back to FMF and FoFF. Round 1 begins at 7pm and there are tasty prizes to win throughout!

Three lucky winners will also receive a produce Discovery Box from Rubinette Produce Market. To enter: donate $50+ or follow the instructions on our social media post from December 5th! (Discovery Boxes must be picked up in person at Rubinette Produce Market in Portland).

On Saturday, November 30th, Mes Amies will donate 10% of online and in store proceeds on Small Business Saturday.

Partner(s)

New Seasons Market is a longtime supporter of Farmers Market Fund, and an amazing supporter of food justice work in our region! 

Sasquatch HR is dedicated to helping nonprofits and small businesses create better workplaces. We believe that everyone has the right to a rewarding work experience, especially those who dedicate their lives to helping others. To that end, Sasquatch HR delivers the HR support and payroll services that employers need at a cost that is accessible to all.

Beneficial State Bank is banking with a purpose. They envision an economy that dismantles discrimination, helps break the chains of generational poverty, and ends extractive environmental practices. 

Mes Amies is a locally owned boutique shop in Historic Downtown McMinnville that features an extensive range of independently designed women's clothing, hand-crafted jewelry, locally sourced gifts and hand-picked books. Shop owner Tayler is a former farmers market manager and FMF board member! 

Rubinette Produce Market is named for a small, unassuming yet surprisingly delicious Oregon-bred apple - which is everything they try to be. Located inside Providore Fine Foods, Rubinette Produce Market works with small farms across the Northwest, showcasing new, unusual and delicious greens, fruits and vegetables. 

Troon Vineyard is an award winning winery and farm whose wines can be found in Applegate Valley and McMinnville. With a passion for wine and a commitment to the environment, Troon Vineyard produces wine that has both flavor and meaning. 

Willamette Valley Vineyard was founded in 1983 by Oregon native Jim Bernau who dreamed of creating world-class Pinot Noir. Since then Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
 

ECOnorthwest has informed the complex issues shaping communities, serving over 2,000 clients worldwide, for over 50 years. At the crossroads of neighborhoods and highways, development and conservation, poverty and prosperity, our decisions matter. With expertise spanning economics, urban planning, public policy, and more, we clarify how policy choices impact lives.