At the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market, it’s possible to get healthy, local food, even if your wallet isn’t overflowing with cash.

The market reminds the community it accepts multiple payment options that include Project Fresh, Market Fresh and the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Bridge Card. In fact, for about a month now, Double Up Food Bucks have been an option for those with a Bridge Card.

This opportunity is made available through a $9,000 grant from the Fair Food Network for the use of Double Up Food Bucks, encouraging healthier choices for card recipients. Not only do people have access to more nutritious food, they help local farmers by purchasing their products.

When a SNAP recipient shops at the farmers market, the amount he or she spends on the Bridge Card is matched up to $20 per visit through Double Up Food Bucks, which really are metal tokens.

If a customer uses a Bridge Card to withdraw $40, for instance, an additional $20 would be given in bucks, which isn’t deducted from the Bridge Card balance.

Although bucks can be used anytime throughout the market season (which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Commons), they must be used to buy Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, food plants, cut herbs and herb plants.

Market Manager Myra Zyburt recommends anyone who uses SNAP benefits at the market get Double Up Food Bucks early to allow for good budgeting at the month’s end.

We applaud the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, which runs the market, for making it easier for everyone, regardless of income, to buy fresh, local food.