Beginning this September 2024, beneficiaries of Colorado’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive an added $60 to use in purchasing fruits and vegetables. Dubbed as Produce Bonus, this extra subsidy aims at improving diets among SNAP beneficiaries by enabling them to acquire more fresh produce. However to get this extra cash, there are some specific eligibility requirements you are expected to meet.
Who is eligible for the $60 produce bonus
To be eligible for the $60 Produce Bonus in Colorado, you have to already be a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receipient. This bonus is automatically made available to all SNAP beneficiaries within the state, and there’s no separate application needed. If you are currently receiving regular SNAP benefits in Colorado then this $60 additional allocation for fresh produce on participating markets in September is accessible to you.
The program specifically targets low-income individuals and families who depend on SNAP benefits to support their nutritional requirements. Moreover, if you are an existing SNAP recipient then you can also benefit from this additional monthly allocation. Through this, Colorado Department of Human Services point out that it is part of its continuous efforts aimed at facilitating access to healthy foods among citizens of the state.
How the produce bonus works
The $60 Produce Bonus is structured to encourage the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here’s how it works:
- Bonus matching: You can get a matching bonus of up to $20 per transaction when you buy qualifying fruits and vegetables at participating marketplaces. This means for every dollar you spend on eligible produce, you get an additional dollar up to $20 for each purchase.
- Monthly maximum: You may earn this bonus on no more than three different purchases per month, allowing for a total of $60 in additional benefits specifically for fresh produce.
- Automatic enrollment: There is no need to apply separately for this benefit. The bonus is automatically credited when SNAP benefits are used at eligible market places.
The other $60 can be used for any item eligible for SNAP funding but should be spent on relatively fresher produce to promote healthier eating habits. It’s also a great chance for families to further utilize their SNAP benefits while eating nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Where can you use the $60 food stamp Colorado bonus
The $60 Produce Bonus can be used at various participating markets across Colorado. Some of the eligible markets include:
- Backyard Market in Black Forest
- Larimer County Farmers’ Market
- Hill Farm Stand
- Carniceria La Sabrosita
These locations are just a few of the many places where you can use your extra $60 in benefits. For a full list of participating markets, visit the official Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus website or check with local markets to see if they are included in the program.
Colorado SNAP payment schedule for September 2024
The payment schedule for SNAP payment in Colorado is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN).
| SSN Ending | Payment Dates |
| 1 | September 1 |
| 2 | September 2 |
| 3 | September 3 |
| 4 | September 4 |
| 5 | September 5 |
| 6 | September 6 |
| 7 | September 7 |
| 8 | September 8 |
| 9 | September 9 |
| 0 | September 10 |
How Much Are Colorado SNAP Benefits?
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive in Colorado varies depending on your household size and income. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum monthly benefit amounts:
- Single person: Up to $291 per month
- Family of four: Up to $943 per month
- Family of eight: Up to $1,751 per month
These figures are the maximum benefit amounts before factoring in the additional $60 Produce Bonus. The Produce Bonus provides significant extra support for those looking to add more fresh produce to their diet.
Locations to buy food with the extra $60 in Colorado
According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, here are the locations you can utilize your extra $60 to purchase fresh produce:
Group 1 – retail locations, farm stands that are open more than one day per week, and pilot farmers markets
| Name | City | Address | Hours |
| Backyard Market (Black Forest) | Colorado Springs | 6845 Shoup Road | Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Backyard Market (at Park Union Farmers Market) | Colorado Springs | 108 W. Cimarron St. | Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round except Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31) |
| Larimer County Farmers’ Market | Fort Collins | 200 W. Oak St. | Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (May 18-Oct. 26) |
| Hazel Dell Mushrooms (farm stand) | Fort Collins | 3925 E. County Road 32 | Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (year round) |
| Carniceria La Sabrosita | Fort Morgan | 131 Sherman St. | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily |
| Farm Runners Station | Hotchkiss | 235 CO-133 | Wednesday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Ela Family Farms (farm stand) | Hotchkiss | 30753 L Road | Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (July 1-Nov. 9) |
| Scofield Fruits | Loveland | 1821 W. Eisenhower Blvd. | Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Terra Sana Farm (farm stand) | Mancos | 13229 Road 32 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily |
| Valley Roots Food Hub | Mosca | 5401 Terry St. | Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (online orders with pickup preferred on Thursdays so orders can be fresh) |
| Fisher Environment | Wellington | 1868 E. County Road 64 | Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Group 2 – farm stands that are open one day per week
| Name | City | Address | Hours |
| Green Junction Farmstead | Clifton | 3449 Front St. | Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon (through Oct. 7) |
| Fungus Farm Colorado (farm stand) | Colorado Springs | 5117 Half Moon Dr. | Tuesdays 1-5 p.m. |
| Periman Ranch | Cortez | 5258 Road 24.5 | Mondays 1-4 p.m. |
| Further Up Farms (farm stand) | Elizabeth | 3623 County Road 106 | Mondays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. |
| Belafonte Farm (farm stand) | Fort Collins | 1807 W. Vine Dr. | Call before (May-October) |
| Folks Farm and Seed | Fort Collins | 2917 S. Taft Hill Road | To be announced |
| Eden Valley Farm (farm stand) | Loveland | 9325 World Mission Dr. | To be announced |
| Here & Now Farm (farm stand) | Wellington | 11664 N. County Road 7 | By appointment only |
Group 3 – farmers at non-pilot farmers markets
| Name | City | Address | Hours |
| Eden Valley Farm (at Boulder Farmers Market) | Boulder | 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard | Wednesdays 3:30-7:30 p.m. (through Oct. 2) |
| Belafonte Farm (at Boulder Farmers Market) | Boulder | 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard | Wednesdays 3:30-7:30 p.m. (through Oct. 2) |
| Periman Ranch (Cortez Farmers Market) | Cortez | 109 W. Main St. | Saturdays 7:30-11:30 a.m. |
| Ela Family Farms (at) South Pearl Street Farmers Market | Denver | 1527 S. Pearl St. | Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (through Nov. 10) |
| Terra Sana Farm (at Dolores Farmers Market) | Dolores | 101 Railroad Ave. | Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. (through end of October) |
| Eden Valley Farm (at Estes Valley Farmers Market) | Estes Park | 500 Big Thompson Ave. | Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (through Sept. 25) |
| Eden Valley Farm (at Fort Collins Farmer’s Market) | Fort Collins | 1001 E. Harmony Road | Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (through Nov. 10) Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (through Sept. 25) |
| Willow Creek Mushrooms (at Fort Collins Farmers market) | Fort Collins | 1001 E. Harmony Road | Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (through Nov. 10) Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (through Sept. 25) |
| Willow Creek Mushrooms (at Greeley Summer Farmers’ Market) | Greeley | 7th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues | 8 a.m.-noon (through Oct. 26) |
| Eden Valley Farm (at Loveland West Farmers Market) | Loveland | 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd. | Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (through Nov. 5) |
| Eden Valley Farm (at Loveland East Farmers Market) | Loveland | 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd. | Fridays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (through Sept. 27) |
| Willow Creek Mushrooms (at Loveland West Farmers Market) | Loveland | 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd. | Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (through October) |
| Willow Creek Mushrooms (at Loveland Farmers Market) | Loveland | 700 S. Railroad Ave. | Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (through September) |
| Here & Now Farm (at Main Street Market) | Wellington | 3815 Harrison Ave. | Thursdays 4:30-7:30 p.m. (Aug. 15 through Sept. 19) |
| Fungus Farm Colorado (at Woodland Park Farmers Market) | Woodland Park | 200 N. Park St. | Fridays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (through September) |
