(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s Double Up Food Bucks program has launched new digital technology to simplify participation for users. The program has transitioned from single-use redeemable paper currency to an online system centered on the new reloadable Double Up Food Bucks Card. The new cards will be usable at all participating Double Up Food Bucks locations.

Double Up Food Bucks is a supplemental SNAP benefit program run by the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative that helps low-income Iowans bring home more fruits and vegetables, while also supporting local farmers. Program participants can double the value of federal SNAP benefits at participating farmers markets, co-ops, and grocery stores including Hy-Vee and Fareway locations around the state when purchasing fresh produce. “As we continue to combat food insecurity in Iowa, it’s important to make sure families have nutritious meals that include fresh produce,” said Elisa Sloss, Senior Vice President, Hy-Vee. “By modernizing the redemption process, the program is easier to use and ensures that those enrolled receive all the benefits they are eligible for.”

“Fareway is proud to partner with the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables and enhance the functionality of the DUFB program,” said Jake Moran, Chief Financial Officer of Fareway Stores Inc.

Prior to the release of the new technology, the Double Up Food Bucks program was available through paper currency. The new technology replaces the paper currency with a reusable plastic card. The Double Up Food Bucks card allows SNAP users to spend and save their bucks and removes the risk of losing or destroying paper currency. Users can sign up for a Double Up Food Bucks card at participating sites by shopping for fruits and vegetables with their SNAP/EBT card and asking their cashier about Double Up Food Bucks.

The Double Up Food Bucks Iowa program is made possible by donations from sponsors including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Alliant Energy, Bank of America, Farmers Mutual Hail, Iowa Total Care, Max & Helen Guernsey Foundation, United Way of Central Iowa, and the Nelson Family Foundation.

To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks and to find participating locations, visit www.DoubleUpIowa.com