Help save Double Bucks in Orange County!

UPDATE: Thanks goes out to everyone who has donated thus far, we are deeply appreciative to have a community that cares to support this program as well as fellow community members in need. So far we have raised about 35% of our grand total of $30,000. With that, the three Orange county markets have support on a month -to- month basis. If we continue to push our mission throughout the community and our partners outside the community we can meet our goal of $30k to provide even more stability for the Orange county markets. We have a couple months left of GoFundMe fundraising. I believe we can make it! It takes a village!

We need your help to continue the Double Bucks program in Orange County, a program that helps feed 500 families every year. Despite a dedicated team that has applied for many grants to fund Double Bucks in Orange County, the program will end in September if additional funds are not secured. Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Eno River (Hillsborough) Farmers’ Markets will no longer be able to provide Double Bucks to the nearly 500 food insecure Orange County families that shop with the benefit. Until additional grants are secured, we are asking you to give what you can to be sure that those families across the county can gain the assistance they deserve.

Some of the Benefits that Double Bucks supports are SNAP/EBT, Sun Bucks, WIC, WIC FMNP (Farmers' Market Nutrition Program), SFMNP (Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program), and Section 8 residents.

Double Bucks has allowed Triangle area farmers’ markets make local, nutritious foods accessible to food insecure triangle residents since 2012. Triangle DB increases access to fresh, seasonal, local food for low-income individuals in the Triangle area of North Carolina via farmers’ markets, as well as supporting local businesses and producers, especially historically marginalized groups. Residents are impacted by a stronger local food system, healthier environment and stronger economy.

The impact of Double Bucks is huge. At Triangle Markets in 2023, 3,241 transactions were made by 741 families who shopped at our Farmers’ Markets with their EBT cards (hundreds more shopped with other benefits and cash match) purchasing $248,385 in local food. Nearly a quarter million dollars went to local farmers. With YOUR help we can continue this program and change the lives of, not only the families, but also farmers in the area. Here are a few quotes from those helped by the program:

“On Social Security Income, I can’t afford to eat non-processed food. The Double Bucks has been a free gift of more energy, less depression, and probably a longer and happier life. Also, being able to feel like a part of society and helping to support local farmers definitely reduces some of the stress of relative poverty.” ~ Double Bucks customer in Durham NC

“As a teacher, I often find myself frustrated with the politics of NC. Double Bucks feels almost like a nice reward for hard work that isn’t economically valued. It makes it easier to do what I love and live the life I want.” ~ Double Bucks customer in Chapel Hill NC

“We see the Double Bucks program as an opportunity for all members of the community to participate in the farmers’ market. The program helps us sell more fresh vegetables each week, which helps our business be more sustainable.” ~ Clarence, Farmer

How does DB work? Example: A person who has SNAP/ EBT benefits can visit one of 3 markets in the Orange county area. Find the Info table, let them know how much you would spend off your EBT card you will receive twice the amount in tokens! ($20 EBT x 2 = $40 in market tokens). Every dollar goes twice as far!

We are seeking to raise $30,000 that will be used for Double Buck incentives and program support at the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Eno River farmers’ markets. Any additional funds will be used to cover expenses during the 2025 market season, which is quickly approaching. Every dollar counts. If you donate, please swing by the information table at one of our markets so we can thank you personally!