B'more Fresh Produce Incentive
B’more Fresh is a new online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program incentive that encourages SNAP participants living in Baltimore City to increase online purchases of fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables. Eligible participants selected at random will receive $30 per month for 6 months, in the form of e-vouchers or coupons, totaling $180 dollars. These e-incentives can be used to shop for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables online at 2 participating retailers: Giant and Safeway. This program is administered by the Food Policy and Planning division (FPP) of the Baltimore City Department of Planning and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through 2025. The program’s goals are to increase online SNAP purchases among Baltimore City residents, support and incentivize online purchasing of fruits and vegetables, and to improve food access through the promotion of online grocery store platforms.
Participants for the program must be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and live in Baltimore City. There is no formal application process. Participants will be placed into a randomized lottery to be selected by shopping at the participating online SNAP retail stores. Please see FAQ’s for more information on eligibility and participation.
In late May 2020, Maryland received approval to expedite the process for certain supermarkets and food retailers to accept online payment for groceries with SNAP. The City of Baltimore has advocated for online SNAP throughout the past decade, and the rollout of online SNAP marked a major milestone. The ability for SNAP users to order and pay for groceries online became even more critical during the pandemic as residents were required to isolate and stay home amid lockdowns. This no-contact service was particularly essential for vulnerable populations such as older adults and residents with disabilities. Since 2020 the Department of Planning’s Food Policy and Planning division (FPP) has engaged in research, created new partnerships, and won 3.6 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding to promote the expansion of Online SNAP.
Vision, Goals, and Values
Vision: Ensure all Baltimore City SNAP participants have the resources and support they need to achieve nutrition security through online purchasing at online approved retail stores. Click here to learn more about nutrition security from the USDA.
Goals:
- Increase online SNAP participation in Baltimore City
- Support and incentivize online purchasing of fruits and vegetables
- Improve food access through the promotion of online grocery store platforms
- Improve cohesion and collaboration of City and State online SNAP efforts
- Ensure older adults are included in overall online SNAP strategy
- Build trust with residents and obtain community feedback on online SNAP efforts in Baltimore City
- Utilize data to advocate and support policies, funding opportunities, and legislation for online SNAP nutrition incentives
Values:
- SNAP participants have choice and say over where they obtain groceries online
- SNAP participants have access to nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables
Overview of 2 Participating Retailers:
FPP has partnered with 2 Online SNAP approved retailers to bring B’more Fresh to Baltimore City SNAP participants. Participating retailers include: Giant and Safeway. Each retailer will run their own unique incentive program. Through these 2 retailers SNAP participants have expanded grocery pick-up and delivery options.
Giant Foods has 7 brick and mortar locations in Baltimore City. Giant Foods started in Washington DC in 1936, and boasts 93 locations throughout the state of Maryland. In 2019 Giant launched their new curbside pick-up program and delivery services followed soon after in 2020. For step-by-step instructions on how to use your SNAP benefits online through Giant, click here.
Safeway has 4 brick and mortar locations in Baltimore City. Founded in 1915, today Safeway is known as a provider of value, quality produce, and extensive choice. For step-by-step instructions on how to use your SNAP benefits online through Safeway, click here.
Partners
Baltimore City Health Department, Division of Aging
University of Maryland Extension, SNAP-ED Program
Housing Authority of Baltimore City
Enoch Pratt and UMD School of Social Work’s Social Worker in the Library Program
2023 Resident Equity Food Advisors
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Food Policy Action Coalition
Read more about B'more Fresh:
Home page
Retailer Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Supplemental Nutritional Access Program Information