Cleveland residents who get SNAP benefits have an extra incentive to buy fruit and vegetables at farmers markets: a program called “Produce Perks” that matches what you spend, dollar for dollar.
The program used to be offered at Dave’s Markets locations around Cleveland, too. A federal funding cut nixed that as of late last year. But local foundations raised enough money to continue offering the program at farmers markets around Cuyahoga County.
Here’s what to know.
Who is eligible for the Produce Perks program?
Anyone with an Ohio Direction Card. If you live outside of Cuyahoga County but receive SNAP, you can visit farmers markets within the county to participate in the program.
How does the Produce Perks program work?
After arriving at the farmers’ market, go to the customer service booth and swipe your SNAP/EBT Ohio Direction Card. Tell staff how much you plan to spend. The amount you specified will be charged to your card.
You will then be handed two types of tokens: EBT tokens in the amount of SNAP you planned to spend, and a matching number of Produce Perks tokens up to $25.
Shop at the different vendors using the tokens.
What can I spend my tokens on?
The Produce Perks tokens can be spent on whole, fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds and fruit or vegetable plants.
EBT tokens can be spent on anything that’s SNAP-eligible at the farmer’s market, such as meat or dairy.
What if I have tokens left over after a shopping trip?
EBT tokens must be spent at the farmers market where you received them, according to the nonprofit Produce Perks Midwest. But Produce Perks tokens can be spent at any participating farmers market.
What farmers markets participate?
Here’s a list of farmers markets in Cuyahoga County where you can receive and spend Produce Perks tokens.
City Fresh
Weekly farm boxes (Tuesday – Friday) at 16 locations throughout Cleveland, Euclid, Westlake, Lakewood, Berea, Lorain, Oberlin and Elyria. To order, visit cityfresh.org
Coit Road Farmers’ Market
🕔 Sat 5 – 8 PM (Jul – Sep), Sat 8 AM – 1 PM
📍 15000 Woodworth Rd, East Cleveland
Food For All Euclid Beach
🕠 Tue 5:30- 7 PM (Jun 20 – Oct 31)
📍 15901 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland
Good Earth Farm Stand
🕒 Mon, Thurs 3 – 7 PM (May – Oct), 3 – 5 PM (Nov – Apr); Sat 12-4
📍 9600 Madison Avenue, Cleveland
Kamm’s Corners Farmers’ Market
🕙 Sun 10 AM – 1 PM (Jun 15 – Oct 12)
📍 16906 Albers Avenue, Cleveland
Lakewood Earth & Food Community Farmers’ Market
🕠 Mon 5:30 – 7:30 PM (Jun 19 – Oct 30)
📍 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
La Marketa
🕚 Sat 11 AM – 3 PM (May 24 – Aug 23)
📍 3690 Seymore Ave, Cleveland
Old Brooklyn Farmers’ Market
🕔 Mon 5- 8 PM (Jul 10 – Sep 25)
📍 4274 Pearl Road, Cleveland
Public Square Farmers’ Market
🕔 Thurs 4- 7 PM (June 11 – Oct. 29)
📍 4274 Pearl Road, Cleveland
RevLove Market
Days and times vary.
Visit revlovefarm.org
Tremont Farmers’ Market
🕓 Wed 4 PM – 7 PM (May 20 – Oct 14)
📍 1208 Starkweather Avenue, Cleveland
North Union Farmers’ Markets:
Chagrin Falls
🕘 Sat 9 AM -12 PM (Jun 1 -Oct 19)
📍 21 N. Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls
Cleveland Clinic
🕥 Wed 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Jun 4 – Oct 29)
📍 Carnegie Avenue & East 100th Street, Cleveland
Crocker Park
🕘 Sat 9 AM – 1 PM (Apr – Dec), 9 AM – 12 PM (Jan – Mar)
📍 Corner of Crocker and Detroit, Westlake
Lakewood
🕘 Wed 12 AM – 1 PM (Jun 4 – Oct 29)
📍 13029 Madison Ave, Lakewood
Legacy Village
🕘 Sun 9 AM – 12 PM (Jun 8 – Oct 12)
📍 25389 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
Shaker Square
🕗 Sat 8 AM – 12 PM (Apr 5 – Dec 20)
📍 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland
University Hospitals
🕥 Thurs 10:30 AM – 1 PM (Jun – Oct)
📍 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland
Van Aken
🕓 Thurs 4 – 7 PM (Jun – Sep)
🕘 Sat 9-AM 12 PM (Jan – Mar)
📍 3401 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights
