Famous for its fried cheese curds and bratwursts, Sheboygan County is working to improve availability and access to fresh produce for its residents. In 2019, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital partnered with Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (SCIO) for the fourth consecutive year to support the Double Your Bucks program.
In recent years, organizations throughout Wisconsin piloted initiatives to allow purchases at farmers’ markets using FoodShare (SNAP/formerly food stamps) benefits. Double Your Bucks provides FoodShare recipients with matching funds up to $10 to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at SCIO Markets, taking place three times a week during market season. Nearly 58 percent of customers surveyed shopped at SCIO markets because FoodShare benefits are accepted.
In addition to purchasing more fruits and vegetables, Double Your Bucks helps low-income families be part of their community while supporting local farmers. One participant shared, “Please thank the funders of the Double Your Bucks program – big help!” 
In FY18, the Sheboygan County Community Health Needs Assessment identified nutrition as a prioritized need for the community, and HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital will continue to support efforts to help address that need.