FRESH BUCKS
The Columbus Area United Way is launching a new short-term emergency program called Fresh Bucks to help Platte County residents who may be experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Fresh Bucks program is intended to support the Platte County workforce who have recently lost their jobs or face a significant reduction in hours due to COVID-19.
Given the current food shortage which is driving higher costs for fresh meat and fresh produce Columbus Area United Way established Fresh Bucks to help provide for community needs.
See below for answers to frequently asked questions and information about the Fresh Bucks program.
Who is Eligible to Receive Fresh Bucks? Eligible households include those with at least 1 person who has recently lost their job or experienced a significant reduction in hours due to COVID-19 resulting in a financial strain. One can apply for Fresh Bucks if they live or work in Platte County.
Distribution will be based on the number of applications received and the degree of financial strain on the household. Applying does not guarantee reception of Fresh Bucks for the applicant.
How does it work? Customers can use Fresh Bucks just as they would cash at Columbus HyVee or Columbus Super Saver store. Customers will present these vouchers to the cashier at check out. Fresh Bucks are not able to be used for transactions in self-check-out lanes or for online purchases. No change is given for purchases less than the voucher value. Fresh Bucks are non-transferable and void if copied. Lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced.
What can be purchased with Fresh Bucks and where can they be used? Fresh Bucks can immediately be used at either Columbus HyVee or Columbus Super Saver. These vouchers can be used to purchase any fresh meat (i.e. beef, pork, chicken, or turkey) or fresh produce (i.e. vegetables and fruit).
Do Fresh Bucks Expire? Each recipient will receive two $50 vouchers, for a total of $100 in two separate mailings. Participants will receive their first set of vouchers for use until June 15, 2020, and the second batch available for use until July 15, 2020.
How do I apply? Simple – click HERE to fill out the Fresh Bucks application form. Please note information is kept confidential and application information is not disclosed.
How is this funded? By numerous general community and state foundations. The United Way will continue to fundraise with the goal of providing 1000 total recently displaced workers with Fresh Bucks.
Can I contribute to support this program? Thank you for wanting to support this program! We are currently working with businesses and the philanthropic community to secure additional funding for this program.
The Columbus Area United Way has set up a COVID-19 Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak. This fund can accept donations of any amount. Please mark “FRESH BUCKS” in the memo.