Double Up Food Bucks Expands to 21 New Michigan Sites, Deepening Local Impact

For 16 years, Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program has been a trusted resource in Michigan—supporting families in stretching their food budgets while boosting sales for local farmers and food retailers. With every $1 spent on fruits and vegetables using SNAP, Double Up provides a $1 match, helping Michiganders bring home more fresh, healthy food.

This year, thanks to new resources, Double Up is expanding to 21 new sites across the state—joining 237 existing locations at farmers markets, corner stores, and grocery retailers.

Fair Food Network takes great care in selecting new sites. We look for farmers markets, farm stands, and retail grocery stores that share our mission to grow community health, wealth, and resilience through food. All participating sites must already accept EBT and meet criteria designed to support long-term program success, including offering locally grown produce and having strong community engagement. Demand remains high, and we’re excited to deepen our reach—bringing the program to even more families and individuals who can benefit from it.

“We have a waiting list and high demand in communities all across Michigan,” said Rachel Hoh, Director of Double Up Food Bucks Michigan. “After a temporary pause on expansion, we now have the resources to bring more sites on board—and these 21 new sites certainly fit the bill.”

In southeast Michigan, Royal Oak Farmers Market, a historic, year-round market celebrating its 100th anniversary, is a central hub for fresh produce in suburban Detroit. With over 100 vendors and a loyal customer base, it was a natural fit for Double Up. Market Manager Shelly Mazur says the community has been eager for the program.

“People have been asking and asking for Double Up,” said Mazur. “Now that it’s here, they’re thrilled—especially with our year-round availability. Some customers drive 45 minutes just to shop here.”

In Harper Woods, Imperial Fresh Market serves as an essential neighborhood grocery for a diverse, multigenerational customer base. With many long-time staff members and deep ties to the community, the store is well-positioned to offer Double Up with dignity and ease.

“Our customers are struggling more than ever,” said store manager Kristopher Shina. “Before, $200 filled a cart. Now, it’s half a cart. That extra $20 from Double Up? It makes a real difference—especially for families with kids or pregnant moms.”

Up north in Ironwood, Northwind Food Co-op is the only cooperative grocer in its rural community, which faces high rates of food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce. With Double Up, the co-op anticipates increased produce sales and greater access to healthy food.

“We’re in a low-income food desert,” said General Manager Cathy Flory. “Double Up will help us move more fresh produce and grow our inventory, knowing more people can afford it.”

In Detroit’s east side, Whittier Bodega just opened its doors after years of community demand for a neighborhood grocery store. Owner Alontae Pittman, a lifelong Detroiter, launched the store to fill a longstanding gap in healthy food access—and Double Up is central to that mission.

“Detroit needs more healthy food spots,” said Pittman. “We’re not trying to compete with Walmart—we’re here to serve the neighborhood. Double Up will help us do that.”

These four examples are just a glimpse of the new cohort of Double Up sites—each one uniquely rooted in place and committed to nourishing their communities. Whether it’s a cooperative grocer in the Upper Peninsula, a neighborhood store in metro Detroit, or a bustling farmers market in suburban Oakland County, all are united by a shared belief: that everyone should have access to healthy food, and that local food systems can be a driver of equity and resilience.

Double Up Food Bucks is a triple win: supporting local businesses, boosting Michigan farms, and helping families bring home more nutritious food.

Fair Food Network will celebrate the program’s impact during Double Up Awareness Month with in-person events, recipe sharing, and fresh Michigan-grown produce throughout the state.

Find a participating location near you.