New Program to Double SNAP Value at Farmers’ Markets

Make it a double helping of health.

A new initiative will double the buying power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients at farmers’ markets across New York State.

The FreshConnect Fresh2You program will provide eligible New Yorkers with a dollar-for-dollar match, allowing families in need to purchase more healthy food, including produce, dairy, and meats.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative was launched to offset the recent reduction in the federal government’s SNAP benefits, as well as provide increased revenue for New York’s farmers and boost local food sourcing.

“New York has taken significant steps to develop strong, mutually-beneficial relationships between local farmers and the communities they feed,” Hochul said. “The new Fresh2You initiative will help ensure New Yorkers have more money to spend on healthy foods like dairy, meat, produce, and more, while creating greater health outcomes, an economic boost to New York’s farmers and a stronger food supply chain.”

Beginning on April 15, the FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative will now provide SNAP beneficiaries at participating farmers’ markets with $2 checks for every $2 spent as part of the SNAP program, up from $2 for every $5 spent.

Checks can be used to purchase dairy, produce, meats, fish, eggs, and other items.

Any farmer or vendor who is selling a SNAP-eligible food item at any farmers’ market, farm stand or mobile market operating in New York State may accept a FreshConnect Check and take part in the initiative.

“We are excited to launch this new match program, understanding the significance of what this will mean to New York consumers and farmers alike. It will increase access to nutritious healthy foods, which will also have a direct benefit to our farmers and producers,” said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

Source: manhattantimesnews.com

Photo Credit: SNAP