By Blake Jackson
New York State has launched a digital pilot program to make it easier for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh, local food at farmers markets and support local farmers.
The new digital FreshConnect program allows eligible New Yorkers to use a QR code to make purchases at farmers markets, deducting the amount from their digital account. This modern approach overcomes the limitations of physical coupons by allowing any increment for purchases, and it sets a daily cap of $50 per cardholder to maintain consistency with the FreshConnect program’s standards.
Benefits for Consumers
- Enhanced accessibility: The digital FreshConnect program makes it easier for SNAP recipients to buy local farm products by enabling digital transactions at farmers’ markets.
- Convenience: Shoppers can now use a QR code to carry out transactions at the farmers’ market, seamlessly deducting the purchase from their accounts.
- Increased coupon capacity: The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative has significantly increased the number of coupons available, allowing more families to access fresh produce.
Benefits for Farmers
- Convenience: The digital system presents a timesaving and more efficient payment process, negating the need for handling physical coupons and expediting their revenue cycle.
- Economic boost: The program is expected to boost the purchase of local farm products and support local farmers.
Potential for Expansion
The digital FreshConnect program is currently available at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market, with prospects for expanding to additional markets where FreshConnect is accepted.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zbynek-pospisil
Categories: New York, Business