The American Heart Association joined Field & Fork Network, a food and farming nonprofit, on July 17 in announcing bipartisan support for a $2 million State appropriation that will help expand its Double Up Food Bucks NY program. Double Up is a vital program that increases food access by connecting New York farmers, grocers, and residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program helps people using SNAP, purchase more local fresh fruits and vegetables through a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $20 a day. Field & Fork Network worked closely with Senator Michelle Hinchey to secure the appropriation.
“We are grateful to Senator Michelle Hinchey for championing this issue and recognizing the critical role Double Up Food Bucks NY plays in combatting food insecurity,” said Lisa French, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Field & Fork Network. “This funding is a direct investment in New York families, farmers and the local economy, and it will allow us to bring additional federal funding to New York through the USDA’s GusNIP program. ”
Double Up Food Bucks NY has 230+ locations across New York State, it operates in grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and corner stores across 32 counties. This year the program has greatly expanded its reach in Columbia County; adding 4 new grocery locations including, Hawthorne Valley Farm Store, Chatham Real Food Market, Philmont Co-op, and Random Harvest. The program has operate at Rolling Grocer 19 since 2020.
“Every person, no matter their income or where they live, deserves to eat nutritious food, and the Double Up Food Bucks program helps people afford the locally grown food they need to support their family’s growth and development and create a healthy foundation at home,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “Columbia County is an agriculture community, and with a homegrown food supply as incredible as ours, farm-fresh food should be accessible to everyone, which is why I’m proud to help champion the Double Up program to expand food access while also investing money back into our local farms. I thank Field & Fork Network for leading the way with this model and will continue fighting for investments that will help us connect the dots between locally grown food and families in need.”
“The Double Up Food Bucks Program is a win-win for New York State, feeding our families healthy food while supporting local farms and independent grocery stores. Small and mid-sized farms are the backbones of our communities in the Hudson Valley, and expanding this program has helped connect more families with fresh, nutritious produce from local producers like Hawthorne Valley Farm,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I was proud to fight for funding for this program in the state budget with Sen. Hinchey, and thank Field and Fork Network for their leadership.”
Source: heart.org
Photo Credit: Double Up New York
Categories: New York, Government & Policy