Fresh Bucks is now offering discounts on fruits and vegetables up to $20 every time you shop at the Orcas Food Co-op.

The program’s goal is for everyone to have access to fresh, healthy, local food. The Fresh Bucks program is a partnership with the Orcas Community Resource Center, San Juan County Health and Community Services and Orcas Food Co-op that helps low-income families stretch their dollars to make healthy food more affordable and investing in our local farms and community.

To enroll, an individual or family must meet the income requirements to qualify for Basic Food, formerly known as food stamps. Basic Food is available to individuals and families who are, for example, earning less than $4,183 a month ($50,196 per year) for a family of four. Basic food and WIC participants are automatically eligible for Fresh Bucks. Orcas is also offering the Fresh Bucks incentive to local residents that qualify for Basic Food based on their income but are not yet enrolled.

Enrollment forms can be picked up either at the Orcas Food Co-op or the Orcas Community Resource Center. Participants can redeem up to $20 in Fresh Bucks discounts every time they shop. Example: Purchase $40 of fruits and vegetables and get a $20 Fresh Bucks discount. Your total cost is $20. If you’re interested in either learning more or helping support the Fresh Bucks or other food assistance programs, please contact the health department at 360- 378-4474 or the Orcas Community Resource Center at 360-376-3184.

Eligible items include all local produce as well as Co-op Basics produce items.

This material was funded in part by United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.