Meet Double Up Champion: Vincent Nona

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: Vincent Nona of Parkway Foods in Detroit

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 Vincent Nona, the store manager at Detroit’s Parkway Foods. Keep reading to learn more about Vincent – from his passion for Michigan-grown produce to his Double Up pro tips – and let us know about a Double Up Champion near you! 

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?  

Broccoli

How do you work with Double Up Food Bucks? 

I am the store manager and coordinate the Double Up Food Bucks program with my staff. 

How does Double Up Food Bucks help people?  

Double Up helps people’s overall health and wellness by giving them money towards fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables. 

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

We are a Michigan-based store supported by Michiganders. It is important for us to buy Michigan produce so we keep supporting our fellow Michiganders and keep this Michigan economy rolling. 

Do you have any tips you’d like to share with shoppers about using Double Up?  

Take advantage of the program. Buy the full $20.00 in fruits and vegetable every time you shop to get that $20.00 coupon. Also, keep bowls of fresh fruit washed and cut in the fridge, it’s great for a snack for you and your kids. Food is expensive right now, so if you can get $20.00 in free fruits and veggies every time you come to the store it is a major help for any family.

Anything else?  

Keep up the good work Double up Food Bucks! People really do enjoy participating in this program. 

Nominate a Champion

If you shop at Parkway Foods, be sure to give Vincent and the team a big thank you for all of their 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!