By Blake Jackson
New York State is enhancing its FreshConnect Checks (FCC) Program in 2025 to offer more benefits to farmers and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. A key update includes the introduction of an electronic redemption system, allowing farmers and vendors to redeem FCC coupons digitally, ensuring quicker reimbursements and greater convenience. The state has allocated $3.2 million in FCC coupons to support the initiative, reinforcing its mission to improve access to fresh food in underserved areas and boost local farmers’ sales.
The FCC Program enables SNAP beneficiaries to receive $2 in coupons for every $2 spent at participating farmers' markets. These coupons can be used to buy fresh produce, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and other eligible food items from farmers' markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. The introduction of a mobile app in 2025 will simplify the redemption process, offering direct deposit reimbursements while maintaining the option for vendors to submit paper coupons if preferred.
New York launched the FCC Program in 2011 to strengthen farmers' markets and improve access to fresh food in high-need communities. The program encourages market participation by providing financial support to vendors and aligning with other nutrition assistance programs, such as the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. In 2024, 71 farmers’ markets took part in the program, distributing over 1.4 million coupons.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expanded the initiative with the FreshConnect Fresh2You program, which offers a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP purchases. This adjustment aims to help families facing economic challenges while boosting farmers’ earnings. Veterans and military families also benefit from the program, receiving $50 in FreshConnect coupons through the Department of Veterans' Services.
Farmers’ markets play a crucial role in supporting local food systems, ensuring fresh produce reaches consumers while providing farmers with direct sales opportunities. With over 400 farmers' markets and hundreds of farm stands across New York, the state continues to prioritize affordability and access to fresh food.
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Categories: New York, Government & Policy