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What to Know About Farmfare, South Carolina's Produce Subsidy Program

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Farmfare gives low-income South Carolinians money to spend on fresh produce at farmers markets

Farmfare is a state program that provides vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets across South Carolina. The program doubles the value of SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) when you use them to purchase produce from vendors at certified markets. If you spend $10 in SNAP benefits on produce, Farmfare adds another $10 in matching vouchers, up to a set monthly limit per household.

The program runs through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and works directly with farmers markets that meet state certification standards. Participating markets are located in communities across the state, from the Lowcountry to the Upstate. You do not need to apply separately—if you already receive SNAP benefits, you can start using Farmfare at any certified market that displays the program logo.

Key Takeaways

  • Farmfare doubles your SNAP spending on fresh produce at certified farmers markets, meaning a $10 SNAP purchase becomes $20 in produce value.
  • The program is open to anyone who receives SNAP benefits and shops at a participating market.
  • You use your existing SNAP card at the market—no separate registration or voucher card is required.
  • Matching funds reset monthly, so unused credits do not carry over to the next month.
  • Farmfare money can only be spent on fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs—not prepared foods, meat, or other grocery items.

How Farmfare works at the farmers market

When you arrive at a participating farmers market, look for vendors displaying the Farmfare logo or ask the market manager which stands accept the program. Swipe your SNAP card at the vendor's point-of-sale terminal just as you would at a grocery store. The vendor will process your SNAP payment and then issue Farmfare vouchers for the matching amount—usually printed on paper or loaded onto a card, depending on the market's setup.

You then use those vouchers to buy additional produce from any vendor at that market. The vouchers work only on that day and only at that specific market, so plan your purchases accordingly. If you do not spend all your monthly Farmfare match, the remaining balance does not roll over—each month starts fresh with a new matching limit.

Finding a Farmfare market near you

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture maintains a list of certified Farmfare markets on its website. You can search by county or region to find markets in your area. Markets operate on different schedules—some run year-round, others seasonally—so check the specific market's hours before you go.

Farmers markets in urban areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville typically participate, as do many rural and suburban markets. If your nearest market does not yet accept Farmfare, contact the market manager or the Department of Agriculture to ask about enrollment. Markets can join the program if they meet certification requirements around vendor vetting and produce standards.

What you can and cannot buy with Farmfare

Farmfare vouchers cover fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and fresh herbs grown and sold by the vendor. This includes common produce like apples, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and seasonal items. Frozen or canned vegetables and fruits do not may have access to, nor do dried herbs or spice blends.

You cannot use Farmfare vouchers on prepared foods, baked goods, meat, dairy, honey, nuts, seeds, or any non-produce items. Some markets sell value-added products like jams or salsas made from produce—these typically do not may have access to unless the market has a specific waiver. Ask the vendor if you are unsure whether an item is may be able to access.

Monthly matching limits and how they work

Each household receives a monthly matching limit, though the exact amount varies by program year and funding. The state sets this limit, and it resets on the first day of each calendar month. If you have $30 in monthly matching available and you spend $20 in SNAP on produce, you receive $20 in Farmfare vouchers and still have $10 in matching power left for the rest of that month.

If you spend your full monthly match early in the month, you can still shop at farmers markets using your regular SNAP benefits for the rest of the month—you simply will not receive the Farmfare match on those purchases. Plan larger produce shopping trips strategically if you want to maximize the matching benefit.

Farmfare and SNAP benefits work together

Farmfare is designed to stretch your SNAP dollars further, not replace them. Your regular SNAP balance remains unchanged; Farmfare simply adds matching vouchers on top of what you already spend. If you have $200 in monthly SNAP benefits, that amount does not change when you use Farmfare. Instead, you gain additional produce purchasing power through the match.

This means Farmfare works best if you already budget produce purchases into your SNAP spending. If you rarely buy fresh produce now, Farmfare gives you a reason to start—the doubled value makes fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable. Families with children, seniors, and people managing diet-related health conditions often find the program most useful.

Seasonal availability and market hours

South Carolina farmers markets operate year-round in some locations and seasonally in others. Spring through fall typically sees the most vendors and the widest produce selection. Winter markets exist in many communities but may have fewer vendors and less variety. Check your local market's schedule before planning a trip, especially in winter months.

Most farmers markets operate on weekend mornings, though some run weekday afternoons or evenings. Market hours vary widely—some open at 7 a.m., others at 9 a.m. or later. The Department of Agriculture's market directory includes hours for each location, so you can plan around your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register for Farmfare or fill out paperwork?

No. If you already receive SNAP benefits, you are automatically part of Farmfare. Simply bring your SNAP card to a participating market and use it as you normally would. The vendor will handle the rest and issue your matching vouchers at the point of sale.

What happens if I do not use my full monthly Farmfare match?

Unused matching funds do not carry over to the next month. Each month resets with a fresh matching limit on the first day. If you have $15 left unused on June 30, that balance disappears on July 1 when your new monthly match begins.

Can I use Farmfare vouchers at grocery stores or other retailers?

No. Farmfare vouchers work only at certified farmers markets and only on the day they are issued. They cannot be used at supermarkets, convenience stores, or online retailers. Each market operates independently, so vouchers from one market cannot be used at another.

Are there income limits or other requirements to use Farmfare?

The only requirement is that you receive SNAP benefits. There are no additional income limits, asset tests, or paperwork. If your SNAP case is active, you can use Farmfare at any participating market.

How do I find out which farmers markets near me accept Farmfare?

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture website lists all certified Farmfare markets by county. You can also call your local farmers market directly or ask the market manager when you visit. Market participation can change, so checking the official list before your trip ensures the market is currently enrolled.