Digital Currency Pilot
2023 Double Up Food Bucks Digital Currency Pilot Project
In 2023, Farmers Market Fund began testing the feasibility of moving from paper Double Up Food Bucks currency to digital currency (eDUFB), using the TotilPay Go Integrated Management System (TIMS) and MyMarketLink mobile app.
SNAP shoppers at Come Thru Market opted in to receive and store their Double Up benefit directly in a digital wallet. Non-smartphone users were provided a physical card with QR Code to access their digital wallet. SNAP benefits continued to be issued as a physical card (token) currency.
The pilot will not continue in 2024
2023 Season Participating Market
831 SE Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97214
May - October
1st and 3rd Mondays
3-7pm
How eDUFB Worked at Come Thru Market:
Customers went to the farmers market information tent.
At first visit, Farmers Market Fund staff signed up customers to receive eDUFB via the MyMarketLink mobile app*.
Customers had the opportunity to complete most of the sign up steps to receive eDUFB before arriving at market by completing this form: Shopper Sign Up Survey
A customer's EBT card was swiped to issue SNAP currency. The eDUFB match (up to $20 per market) was automatically loaded into the shoppers MyMarketLink digital wallet.
Customers shoped for fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. When paying with eDUFB, customers opened their MyMarketLink app and selected eDUFB. A QR Code was generated, that the farmer, scaned for payment.
*If the shopper was not a smartphone app user, Farmers Market Fund staff issued a physical card with a QR Code printed on it to make eDUFB purchases.
Shopper eDUFB FAQ
Can I still participate in the digital pilot if I don't have a smartphone?
Yes, if you do not have a smartphone, Farmers Market Fund staff will give you a physical card with a QR Code printed on it to make eDUFB purchases
Can I spend eDUFB at any participating location?
No, eDUFB can only be spent at the farmers market participating in our digital currency pilot (Come Thru Market in Portland). All other markets do not have the technology needed to distribute, redeem or exchange eDUFB
Does eDUFB expire?
Yes, eDUFB will expire at the end of the participating farmers markets’ season
Last day to use eDUFB at Come Thru Market: Monday, October 19, 2023
Can I exchange eDUFB benefits for paper currency to spend at a different market?
No, eDUFB can only be spent at the farmers market participating in our digital currency pilot. All other markets do not have the technology needed to distribute, redeem or exchange eDUFB
Why Go Digital?
Advocate
Nationally, state and federal benefits are being digitized. Farmers markets need to learn about what will and won’t work to advocate for farmers markets needs, before a solution is created without us in mind.
Reduce Labor
Digital currency will reduce the burden of handling currency for markets and farmers – this includes counting at multiple stages, distributing, collecting, reporting and payout time. This potential won’t be fully realized unless it’s both SNAP and DUFB. But DUFB is where we can start learning (and remove the burden) now.
There is potential for funding to allow farmers markets to increase their SNAP match amount, but market managers express they cannot take on the work of additional physical currency reconciliation. Digital management offers a potential solution.
Ease Use of Benefits
eDUFB do not have to be spent in $2 increments.
There is potential for reduced stigma – many shoppers report not wanting to have/spend a notably “different” currency than other shoppers.