Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What things can I buy at the market with the tokens I obtained using my EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card?
A: You can buy just about everything at the farmers market with your tokens. Below is a breakdown of all that you can buy – and a few you things you can’t:
What You CAN Buy at Market With Your Tokens
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Plants that Grow Food (many people are surprised to learn this!)
- Breads
- Meat, Fish, Poultry
- Dairy Products
- Maple and Honey Products
- Seeds and Plants that Produce Foods
- Baked Goods: Wrapped, Labeled and Intended for Home Consumption
- Jams, Sauces, Soups, Etc.
What You CANNOT Buy at Market With Your Tokens
- Beer, Wine, or Liquor
- Tobacco Products
- Nonfood Items
- Food Meant to be Eaten On-Site
- Hot Foods
- Vitamins and Medicines
Q: Do tokens ever expire?
A: Tokens have no expiration date. They can be kept for future use or you can return unused tokens and have the funds returned to your benefits account.
Q: Can I use tokens I buy at one market, at another nearby farmers markets?
A: Tokens are only usable at the market where they were issued.
Q: Is there a cost for me to purchase tokens?
A: Tokens are available using your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card so there is no cost to you.
Q: Is there a minimum/maximum number of tokens I have to purchase at each market visit?
A: There is no minimum or maximum amount of tokens required.
Q: I realize tokens are issued in dollar increments. What happens if I purchase something that costs $2.50?
A: The vendor you purchased from will either add an additional product to bring the sale to an even dollar amount or you can add your own cash for the difference. Vendors are not allowed to give cash change for any tokens.
Q: Can I purchase tokens with cash?
A: No, the only way you can obtain tokens is by using your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card.
Q: Can I return tokens if I don’t use them? If so, do I get cash back or is the amount credited back to my card?
A: Tokens have no expiration date, so you can keep your unused tokens for the next time you shop the market. However, if you prefer, unused tokens may be exchanged at the token booth for a refund back onto your EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card. Tokens can never be returned for cash.
Q: Do all farmers market vendors accept tokens?
A: Many farmers market vendors accept tokens. Look for the sign “Tokens Accepted Here” to find vendors that accept tokens.
Q: What is the difference between WIC coupons (FMNP coupons) and tokens? Can I turn in my FMNP coupons in exchange for tokens?
A: These are two separate programs. FMNP coupons are distributed to those participating in the WIC program; it is a once-a-season benefit that provides coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers markets. The FMNP coupons cannot be used to purchase tokens.
Q: I’m ready to head out to my local farmers market. First, I want to find out how much I currently have in benefits on my EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card. Where can I do that?
A: You can check your benefits account balance online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov/
(Also, the receipt you receive when you get your tokens at the market will show your balance.)
Q: Can I use my EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP card benefits at all of New York’s farmers markets?
A: There are over two hundred farmers markets in New York state that are participating in this program. However, some markets have not yet acquired the wireless terminals needed to accept your card. To find a participating market near you, use the market locator.