SpartanNash doubles down on Double Up Food Bucks

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, SpartanNash has raised the daily dollar total eligible for the Double Up Food Bucks healthy food incentive program offered at 46 of its supermarkets in Michigan.

Working with the Fair Food Network, which administers the program, the daily maximum  for fresh produce purchases is now $50, up from $20, at the participating 36 Family Fare, seven VG’s Grocery and three ValuLand stores, SpartanNash said Thursday.

Double Up Food Bucks enables Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to earn free produce when they buy fresh fruit and vegetables with their SNAP benefit at participating retailers. For each dollar of fresh fruit and/or vegetables that SNAP customers buy using their EBT Bridge Card and SpartanNash’s yes loyalty account, that amount is placed on their yes account, with a maximum dollar-for-dollar match of $50 per day. Shoppers then can redeem the Double Up dollars for free produce at participating Family Fare and VG’s locations.

SpartanNash said that, since 2014, it has been the only major grocery retailer in Michigan with multiple stores participating in Double Up.

“We are proud to work with Fair Food Network to increase the Double Up daily maximum to $50 per day, because it allows SNAP customers even more access to fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables and supports our local farmers,” Tom Swanson, executive vice president and general manager of corporate retail at SpartanNash, said in a statement. “We are committed to partnering with local growers and producers, as well as building stronger communities with programs like Double Up Food Bucks. And it’s a real win-win for our communities as a whole.”

Related:NGA backs bill to widen SNAP online grocery participation

SpartanNash said that, since 2014, it has been the only major grocery retailer in Michigan with multiple stores participating in Double Up. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based food wholesaler and retailer added more stores to the program in January.

Because ValuLand stores don’t participate in the yes loyalty program, SNAP customers will get half the price of a produce item free — up to $50 per day — when they buy fresh fruit and vegetables at a ValuLand store using an EBT Bridge Card.

For each dollar of fresh produce SNAP customers purchase using their EBT Bridge Card and SpartanNash’s yes loyalty account*, an equivalent amount of dollars will be earned and placed on their yes account. Shoppers can then redeem the Double Up dollars for free fruits and vegetables at participating Family Fare and VG’s locations, with a maximum dollar-for-dollar match of $50 per day on their yes account.

Nationally, the Double Up produce incentive program is available at more than 150 farmers markets, farmstands and other retailer outlets, as well as more than 100 full-service grocery stores, including many SpartanNash independent supermarket customers. The program is active in 27 states and receives support from the federal, state and private sectors.

Related:SpartanNash expands Double Up Food Bucks access

“During these challenging times, the need for Double Up Food Bucks is greater than ever,” according to Kate Krauss, executive director and chief operating officer of the Fair Food Network. “We’re grateful for SpartanNash’s long-term partnership, bringing our program to its many customers and improving healthy food access in the broader community.”