Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about Double Up Food Bucks Nebraska.
Not in Nebraska? Visit the National Network.
General Program Questions
How does Double Up work?
Double Up matches EBT Card dollars spent on fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, up to $20 a day. That means families can get twice the fresh fruits, veggies and herbs.
Who qualifies for Double Up?
Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible for the program. If you have an EBT Card, you are ready to earn Double Up.
Where can I use Double Up Food Bucks?
Statewide, more than 20+ sites, find a location or contact us to find a participating site near you.
What can you buy with Double Up Food Bucks?
At the farmers market, Double Up Food Bucks can only be used to purchase Nebraska-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
At the grocery store, Double Up Food Bucks can be used to purchase any fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
What if I need immediate food help?
FOOD BANKS
The Food Bank for the Heartland is located in Omaha and provides emergency and supplemental food to the people in need in Nebraska and western Iowa.
The Food Bank of Lincoln is located in Lincoln and serves sixteen counties across southeast Nebraska including: Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Butler, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Lancaster, Gage, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Richardson.
TEFAP
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program administered by the USDA. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services manages the program in Nebraska including the distribution of USDA donated foods and administrative funding.
TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with healthy foods at no cost. Under TEFAP, recipients of food for home use must meet program eligibility criteria set by DHHS.
What if I'm not in Nebraska?
Double Up Food Bucks is available in many states and is growing every day. visit Double Up America to find other state programs across the country.
Double Up at the Grocery Store
How does Double Up Food Bucks work at grocery stores?
When you use your EBT Card, Double Up matches your fruit and vegetable purchases. For every $1 you spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, you earn $1 in Double Up Food Bucks to buy additional fresh fruits and vegetables in the same grocery store, up to $20 a day.
Grocery stores may use coupons, a loyalty card, or the Double Up Food Bucks card to provide Double Up Food Bucks.
Double Up runs throughout the year at participating stores.
What can I buy with Double Up Food Bucks at the grocery store?
Double Up Food Bucks can be spent on any fresh fruits and vegetables in the store where you earned the Double Up Food Bucks.
Is there a participating grocery store near me?
There are more than 20+ participating locations across Nebraska. Find one close to you.
Do Walmart, Hyvee or dollar stores accept Double Up Food Bucks?
Walmart, Hyvee and dollar stores do not participate in our program. We work with locally-owned and independent grocery stores and farmers markets. With more than 20+ participating locations across Nebraska, find one near you.
Shopping at the Farmers Market
How does Double Up Food Bucks work at farmers markets?
For every $2 spent with your EBT Card at participating farmers markets, you receive $2 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on any Nebraska-grown fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day.
Many markets distribute Double Up Food Bucks as tokens, which can be used at any farmers market that participates in Double Up across the state.
What can I buy at farmers markets?
EBT Card benefits can be spent on any SNAP-eligible items at the farmers market including fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, and meat.
In which months does the program run at farmers markets?
Double Up Food Bucks is available at Nebraska farmers markets during the market season. Check our location map to see which participating farmers markets near you are open.
Is there a participating farmers market near me?
Double Up Food Bucks is available at over 6 farmers markets across Nebraska. Find one close to you.
Is there a minimum amount I must spend?
No, there is no minimum amount. However, at farmers markets that use $2 Double Up tokens, you can get the most out of your dollars by spending in increments of $2.
Is there a limit on how much I can spend from my EBT Card at a farmers market?
The sky's the limit! Each day, you can spend as much as you want from your EBT Card. However, Double Up Food Bucks only matches purchases up to $20 per day.
For example, if you use your EBT Card to spend $30 in SNAP benefits at the market, you will receive $20 in Double Up Food Bucks.
How do I know which vendors accept Double Up Food Bucks at the market?
Most vendors that sell Nebraska-grown fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets accept Double Up Food Bucks. Look for Double Up Food Bucks signs displayed at market stalls or ask vendors before making a purchase.
How do I get Double Up Food Bucks tokens?
Visit the market office or information booth. When you receive your SNAP tokens, they will match them with Double Up tokens.
Do the Double Up Food Bucks tokens expire?
No, the tokens do not expire.
Can I return my Double Up Food Bucks tokens?
Yes, you can return tokens, but you must have equal value in EBT tokens. For instance, to return $10 of Double Up Food Bucks tokens, you must have $10 of EBT tokens.
Can I use the Double Up Food Bucks tokens at locations other than farmers markets?
Tokens can be spent at other participating farmers markets that accept tokens. At grocery stores, or at markets that only use the Double Up card or coupons for purchases, tokens are not accepted.
See what types of incentive—tokens, Double Up card, and more—are accepted at a location near you.
Getting Involved
How can I support the Double Up program?
Tell others about us! We are always happy when people spread the word.
You can also help Double Up take root in your community by volunteering, recommending a location, and more.
What if I’m not in Nebraska?
Double Up Food Bucks is available in many states and is growing every day. visit Double Up America to find other state programs across the country.
Are there other ways I can get involved with Double Up?
Get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss it with you.
SNAP & EBT
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
SNAP is a federal food assistance program that provides benefits (or food stamps) so that people in need can purchase healthy food.
Double Up Food Bucks doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets and grocery stores.
Are SNAP, EBT and food stamps the same thing?
SNAP is the federal program that provides food assistance, often called food stamps, to those who need it. EBT stands for "Electronic Benefits Transfer" and is the mechanism to use SNAP benefits.
In Nebraska, people who are eligible for SNAP are provided a Nebraska EBT card. The Nebraska EBT card is used to purchase eligible food products and access benefits electronically, through EBT, rather than using paper food stamps and checks.
Do I qualify for SNAP/EBT? How do I get a Nebraska EBT card?
Visit Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for information about how to qualify for SNAP/EBT.
Can I use my EBT card in another state?
Yes, you can use your EBT card out of state.
What can I buy with my EBT card?
You can use your EBT card to buy groceries and seeds or plants that produce food. Items such as alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, and non-food household items cannot be purchased with EBT.
Can I buy pet food with an EBT card?
No, pet food cannot be purchased with an EBT card.
What if I do not have SNAP?
You can visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website to see if you qualify to receive SNAP and a EBT Card.