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Produce Plus Program

Produce Plus Logo

What is Produce Plus?

Produce Plus supports both DC residents and local farmers by:

  • Providing locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to DC residents with limited access to fresh, healthy food.
  • Increasing income for local farmers, many of whom are first generation as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers.


Who is eligible to receive Produce Plus?

To receive Produce Plus participants must be a DC resident, 16 years or older, and participate in or be eligible for one of the following programs (strongly preferred):

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formely Food Stamps)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, locally Grocery Plus)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Medicaid


How does Produce Plus work?

From June 1 through November 30, participants get $40 per month to spend on fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at participating farmers’ markets throughout Washington, DC that accept the Produce Pass card.


How do I enroll in Produce Plus?

The application must be completed each year to participate in the Produce Plus program.

Please Note: Completing the application does not mean you will be enrolled in the program. Program spaces are limited by funding. After you complete the enrollment form, FRESHFARM will follow up with next steps.


I was accepted into the Produce Plus Program, what do I do next?

  1. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation Code and instructions on how to activate your card, or receive a new card, from FRESHFARM by email, text, or phone call.
  2. Once you have received your confirmation Code, visit a card activation location with your:
    1. Confirmation Code
    2. Proof of DC residency
    3. Previous Produce Pass card (if you have one)

Please Note: After visiting a card activation location please allow 24 hours for the funds to be loaded to your card. If possible, check your balance before shopping.


How do I spend my Produce Plus program benefit?

Once you have activated your card at a card activation location, please follow these steps to spend your benefit:

  1. Visit a farmer’s market in DC or Maryland and pick out your fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and/or honey with an authorized farmer.
  2. Show the farmer your Produce Pass card when you are ready to check out.
  3. Allow the farmer to scan the barcode on the back of your Produce Pass card with their tablet or device.
  4. Confirm the purchase amount with the farmer.

Transaction complete!


Where can I use my Produce Plus Card?

  • Market Guide: Find locations that accept your farmers’ market benefit by Ward.
  • Interactive Farmers’ Market Map: Find locations that accept your farmers’ market benefit by address search.
  • Look for the Authorized Farmer poster while at the farmers’ market.
  • Need help finding a location near you?
    • Call the Produce Plus Hotline: (202) 888-4834.
      • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 9am – 3pm, April through November.
    • Call the DC Health Farmers’ Market Hotline: (202) 299-3775.
      • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm, not including DC government holidays.

How do I check my Produce benefits card balance?

There are several ways to check your Produce Pass benefit balance:

  • Visit the balance checker website.
  • Email the FRESHFARM team: [email protected]
    • Call the Produce Plus Hotline: Call the Produce Plus Hotline: (202) 888-4834.
      • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 9am – 3pm, April through November.
    • Call the DC Health Farmers’ Market Hotline: (202) 299-3775.
      • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm, not including DC government holidays.

Questions?

  • Visit: FRESHFARM – Produce Plus
  • Call the Produce Plus Hotline: (202) 888-4834.
    • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 9am – 3pm, April through November.
  • Call the DC Health Farmers’ Market Hotline: (202) 299-3775.
    • Hotline staff are available Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm, not including DC government holidays.

Who runs this Produce Plus program?

Produce Plus is funded by DC Health. The program is operated by FRESHFARM.
Please see below for additional contact information:

Carmen Angel, Program Officer


Additional Resources:


Interested in becoming an approved farmer?

Contact the DC Health farmers’ market team:

Contact TTY: 
711

More Resources