Meet Double Up Champion: Melissa Lance

At Double Up Food Bucks, we’re on a mission to make fruits and veggies an accessible, affordable option for Michigan shoppers who use SNAP while also supporting our local farmers and communities. But this work simply wouldn’t be possible without the farmers markets and neighborhood grocery stores, community partners and shoppers, at the very heart of our program: Our Double Up Champions.

Meet Double Up Champion: Melissa Lance, Flint Farmers Market

Through our Double Up Champion blog series, we want to elevate stories of the Michiganders who have made the Double Up program a statewide success (and national model) since 2009. Champions like Melissa, the Food Navigator at the Flint Farmers Market. Keep reading to learn more about Melissa’s passion for Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables and let us know about a Double Up Champion near you!

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?

I love peaches and peppers.

How do you work with Double Up Food Bucks?

I am the Food Navigator at the Flint Farmers Market.

How does Double Up Food Bucks help people?

I’ve seen firsthand how Double Up Food Bucks makes a real difference. It helps families stretch their food dollars while putting fresh, Michigan-grown produce on the table. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making healthy choices easier and supporting our local farmers at the same time. That’s the kind of impact that lasts.

Why do you believe it’s important to support Michigan-grown produce?

Eating Michigan-grown produce is one of the best choices we can make for our health, our economy, and our community. Local fruits and vegetables are fresher, often picked at peak ripeness, and packed with nutrients. Plus, buying local supports Michigan farmers, reduces environmental impact, and keeps our food dollars close to home. Everyone wins!

Anything else?

Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, stronger community, one local bite at a time. 💚 Thanks for all you do to support fresh food, local farmers, and our community!

If you live near Flint, be sure to stop by the farmers market and thank Melissa for her work supporting local farmers and healthy food access through Double Up Food Bucks.

Do you know a Double Up Champion in your neighborhood? Tell us about them here!