Cedar Crest Farmers Market Opens Season with Fresh Local Goods and Expanded SNAP Benefits

CEDAR CREST – The Cedar Crest Farmers Market has officially launched its 2026 season, bringing locally grown produce, artisan goods, and food assistance programs to the East Mountains community every Wednesday.

Located next to Triangle Grocery at 12165 N. Highway 14, the market operates from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. organizers say the weekly event is designed to be a community hub for local farmers and residents alike.

The market features a diverse array of vendors offering:

• Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in New Mexico.
• Artisan Proteins: Locally sourced meats and farm-fresh eggs.
• Specialty Foods: Fresh sourdough bread, gluten-free products, jams, and roasted coffee.
• Sustainability & Home: Live plants for gardening and a dedicated compost station.

“Come on out, it will be a beautiful day!” the market organizers shared in their season announcement, emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere.

Boosting Food Access: The SNAP & “Double Up” Program

A central pillar of the Cedar Crest Farmers Market is its commitment to food equity. In partnership with the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, the market participates in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, which significantly increases the purchasing power of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients.

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How the SNAP “Double Up” Program Works

The SNAP program—formerly known as food stamps—is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income individuals. At the Cedar Crest market, this assistance goes twice as far.

• The Match: When a customer uses their SNAP-EBT card at the market’s information booth, the program matches their spending dollar-for-dollar.
• The Bonus: For every $1 spent from a SNAP account, the user receives an additional $1 in Double Up Food Bucks (up to a daily limit, typically $20).
• Eligibility: Anyone currently receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible. There is no separate sign-up required; shoppers simply visit the market manager’s table to exchange EBT funds for market tokens.
• Usage: While SNAP tokens (often wooden) can be used for any SNAP-eligible item like meat, eggs, or bread, the Double Up tokens (often silver) are specifically designated for fresh, New Mexico-grown fruits and vegetables.

By utilizing this program, a family can effectively walk away with $40 worth of fresh food while only $20 is deducted from their EBT card.

Market Details

• When: Every Wednesday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Where: Next to Triangle Grocery, Cedar Crest, NM.
• Season: May through October.

The market encourages residents to bring their own bags and enjoy the local flavors of the East Mountains while supporting the regional agricultural economy.