A program designed to increase the purchasing power of users of EBT cards will be implemented at eight farmers markets on the Big Island this holiday season.

The EBT Double Dollar Days will allow participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps) to purchase up to $40 worth of eligible goods for $20 in EBT funds.

The Double Dollar Days will take place on Dec. 22 and 23.

“Double Dollars” can be purchased at the EBT booths of participating farmers markets, and may only be used at the market at which they were issued.

SNAP recipients are being encouraged to shop at the markets early on the market days as each market will have a limited number of Double Dollars to distribute.

The EBT Double Dollar Days program is intended to give EBT participants the opportunity to purchase additional fresh, healthy, and local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets during the holiday season.

EBT Double Dollar Days will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Hilo Coffee Mill Farmers Market in Mountain View, Hilo Farmers Market and Kino‘ole Farmers Market in Hilo, Keauhou Farmers Market in Kona, Hāwī Farmers Market in North Kohala, and S.P.A.C.E. Farmers Market in Puna.

It will be continue Sunday, Dec. 23, at Maku‘u Farmers Market in Puna and Volcano Farmers Market.

EBT Double Dollar Days is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, The Kohala Center, the Ulupono Initiative, and the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program.

“While EBT recipients can now use their EBT cards at eight Hawai‘i Island farmers markets year-round, we know that many families face additional financial pressure during the holidays,” said Kohala Center Deputy Director Betsy Cole. “EBT Double Dollar Days helps make fresh, nutritious food affordable for Hawai‘i Island families during the holidays.”

For more information contact The Kohala Canter at 808-887-6411, visit www.kohalacenter.org/ebt or inquire at participating markets.