Customers redeemed $152,000 in Double Up Food Bucks at farmers markets in 2020, benefitting farmers and food-insecure Iowans.
Many Iowa families faced sudden un­em­ployment last spring because of the pandemic and found themselves struggling to pay bills and buy enough food.

The pandemic closures also left Iowa fruit and vegetable farmers worried that they would lose their markets, and their customers, during the peak of the growing season.

However, a statewide program called Double Up Foods Bucks helped boost sales at Iowa farmers markets in 2020 while also providing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to...