New Program Season Doubles SNAP Buying Power, Strengthens Local Agriculture
Field & Fork Network, a leading food and farming nonprofit, is thrilled to announce the launch of their 10th season of Double Up Food Bucks NY. This innovative SNAP matching program increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income families across New York State. Launching on June 15, 2024, the program will operate at 76 farmers markets statewide.
Double Up Food Bucks NY addresses food insecurity and nutritional disparities by doubling the value of SNAP benefits at participating farmers markets. This initiative not only supports families but also bolsters local agricultural economies by directly connecting consumers with New York farmers.
“We are proud of the growth Double Up has seen over the last few years. Both urban and rural communities throughout New York State have embraced the program,” said Lisa French, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Field & Fork Network. “This program is designed to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable while simultaneously supporting NY farmers and local economies. It’s a win-win-win. Through this one intervention, we are strengthening our local food system.”
Double Up Food Bucks NY allows SNAP recipients to stretch their food budgets further, enabling them to purchase twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables. For every dollar spent using SNAP benefits at participating farmers markets, individuals receive an additional dollar in Double Up Food Bucks, up to $20 per day. The program promotes healthier eating choices, fosters community engagement, and strengthens the local agricultural sector.
“My SNAP is limited but with Double Up I can treat myself to something good. It gives me a little extra, and I feel good because it goes back to a very good cause, the farmers,” said Melanie Emiliani, a Double Up Shopper.
This year, Field & Fork Network has partnered with 76 farmers markets across New York State to implement the Double Up Food Bucks NY program. Launched in 2014 at just 7 farmers markets, the program has grown significantly, distributing a total of $1.7 million directly to over 400 family farms. This year, the program expanded into 24 new farmers markets, serving an additional 7 counties: Chemung, Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Otsego, and Putnam. By doubling the purchasing power of SNAP recipients at farmers markets, farmers increase sales, and those dollars circulate within the local economy.
“Our market has been a part of the Double Up Food Bucks program since 2014. We have seen how the program has grown year after year, benefiting both the farmers and the community. Each year the program is offered, the outreach to the community increases. Our farmers have made over $1M between SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks. This is a huge part of our revenue,” said Sharon Baldi, Market Manager of Clinton Bailey Farmers Market.
Double Up Food Bucks NY is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Field & Fork Network, the New York State Office for Temporary Disability Assistance, local farmers markets, and partners across the state. This public-private partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering healthier communities and a sustainable food system in New York State.
For more information on Double Up Food Bucks NY, including participating farmers markets and program guidelines, please visit doubleupnys.com. Follow @doubleupnys on Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiring stories from participants.
Leave a Reply