We would like to invite you to apply for the Double Up Food Bucks program in grocery stores. With our continued program growth, we are preparing to launch Double Up in additional grocery stores and food co-ops in 2021. Our goal is to increase our reach throughout the many diverse communities within our state. We look forward to working with you to help Michigan families bring home more fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

Program Overview

FAIR FOOD NETWORK MISSION

Fair Food Network seeks to grow community health and wealth through food. 

Our work is connecting people to the power of food to improve health, ignite local economies, and open opportunities for all–especially in our most underserved communities. Together with our partners, we are pioneering and proving innovations that can be owned locally and scaled nationally, growing a future where everyone can harness the full potential of food to transform their communities for good.

WHAT’S DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS?

The Double Up Food Bucks program matches the value of federal SNAP benefits (formally known as food stamps) on fruits and vegetables.  Helping families bring home more healthy food while boosting business for local grocers and farmers.

A TREND FOR GROCERS NATIONWIDE

Double Up has been active in Grocery Stores since 2014.  Today, the program is in more than 100 grocery stores across the state of Michigan and is a national model for healthy food incentives.  We do this work through a grant funded by the USDA; the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), in addition to state and local philanthropic support.

BRING DOUBLE UP TO YOUR STORE

In 2021, Double Up is expanding to grocery and corner stores across the state to reach more families while benefiting local economies.

Double Up is a win for your bottom line:

·       Double Up locations see an increase in sales and revenue

·       Double Up locations draw positive media exposure

·       Double Up locations attract and retain new customers

·       Double Up retailers are able to support local farmers by purchasing local produce

·       Monthly reimbursement for Double Up dollars redeemed (with submission of monthly and quarterly documentation)

Program Requirements

To participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program, applicants must adhere to state and federally mandated guidelines and reporting procedures.

All Applicants must:

·       Be a full-line grocery store or retail outlet that sells fresh produce

·       Accept EBT

·       Complete an application, providing all required information about current point of sale and inventory systems.    

·       Allow FFN to conduct an in-person or virtual site visit prior to approval and implementation of the Double Up program

·       Adhere to all FFN guidelines for program promotion, advertising, and in-store signage

·       Not raise prices of produce or any staple products above competitive market value during program

·       Work with FFN and partners to make necessary changes in usage of technology to support Double Up Food Bucks. This may include, but not limited to the following:

·       Changes to point of sale system and inventory systems

·       Commitment of staff time and resources.

·       Possible upgrade to Point of Sales system.  (Retailers may incur costs for upgrade work).

·       Submit Monthly Metric report by the 8^th of each month

·       EBT transaction count

·       EBT tender amount

·       Double Up transaction count

·       Dollar value of Double Up incentive disbursed

·       Dollar value of Double Up incentive redeemed

·       Submit supporting documentation with Monthly Metric report by the 8^th of each month

·       Item Single Total Report of Produce Department

·       Item Single Total Report of Michigan Produce Department

·       Item Single Total Report for Double Up Food Bucks Coupon

·       Submit Quarterly Descriptive report by the 8^th of the month in January, April, July and October

To selected stores, FFN will provide the following support:

·       Training to implement program for store management and other employees as needed

·       Technical assistance to implement the program as needed

·       Connection to local farmers to increase local sourcing of produce

·       Suite of designed marketing materials for in-store program promotion including but not limited to; banner, price cards, window signs, etc.

·       Promotion via Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks website and social media channels

·       Monthly reimbursement for Double Up sales with submission of reports and documentation

Program Priorities

In our program, Fair Food Network will prioritize working with stores that meet the following criteria:

·       Currently has or can adapt POS system to run the Double Up Food Bucks program 

·       Located in a high-need area or Fair Food Network priority area

·       Have a commitment to locally sourcing fruits and vegetables

·       Must purchase 20% of produce from local farmers during the months of July-November

·       Participate in Fair Food Network trainings and meetings and work with Fair Food Network staff to properly implement the program

·       Well-maintained store condition and positive community perception: 

·       Parking lot  

·       Organized (clean with accessible inventory)

·       Produce (variety of fresh produce)

·       Functional Equipment (includes equipment for storing and merchandising)

·       Community relationship (i.e. support of community events and programs)

Complete the application survey below. 

If you have questions, contact Charles Walker, Retail Specialist Cell: 313.605.9109 Email: cwalker@fairfoodnetwork.org