BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is partnering with grocery stores and farmers markets to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars go further.
Double Up Food Bucks South Dakota will match SNAP dollars spent on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating stores and farmers markets, including eight Buche Foods and Buche Gus Stop locations. Those with an EBT card are automatically eligible for Double Up Food Bucks.
The South Dakota-based G.F. Buche Company has grocery store locations in Gregory, Wagner, Mission, Pine Ridge, Oacoma and Mobridge; and Buche Gus Stop has locations in Wanblee and Lower Brule. When shoppers use their EBT cards at these locations, Double Up Food Bucks matches their fruit and vegetable purchases up to $10 per purchase.
“Grocery stores are economic anchors in rural communities. When families have more purchasing power, those dollars don't stop at the checkout. They support jobs, businesses and the communities we call home,” said R.F. Buche, president of G.F. Buche Company.
Double Up Food Bucks is designed to help families eat more fruits and vegetables, supporting healthier food choices and local economies. Gemma Bastian, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition Health Specialist, said the program is part of SDSU Extension’s Food Is Medicine offerings.
“We know that good nutrition is one of the most important lifestyle factors for preventing and managing chronic disease,” Bastian said. “This program allows for better healthy food access in our most vulnerable communities, allowing all South Dakotans the same opportunity to live healthy lives and raise healthy families.”
Jessica Meuleners, SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist, said cost is one of the biggest barriers for people choosing more healthful foods like fruits and vegetables. With the help of partners like G.F. Buche Company, South Dakotans now have more options.
“We know many South Dakotans want to put more fruits and vegetables on the table, but rising grocery costs can make that challenging,” Meuleners said. “Double Up Food Bucks helps SNAP participants stretch their food budgets by turning one apple into two or one bag of carrots into two. It's a simple way to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible."
Buche said G.F. Buche Company works to give back to the communities it serves, and Double Up Food Bucks is a natural fit with its mission.
“At G.F. Buche Company, we want families to have more than enough food. We want them to have access to healthy choices that help them thrive. Double Up Food Bucks helps make that possible,” Buche said.
The Double Up Food Bucks program gives people more choices and strengthens the communities it serves. Sanderson added that schools, health care providers, tribal programs, churches, food pantries, employers and other community organizations can help spread the word and connect people with the program.
For more information, customers can ask a Buche team member at any participating location or contact Jessica Meuleners, SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist; or Gemma Bastian, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist.
