BUFFALO, N.Y. — Field & Fork Network is seeking applications for the 2023 Double Up Food Bucks NY Season. New York State farmers markets, mobile markets, and farm stands that accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits are eligible to apply.
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a national model for healthy food incentive programs that provides individuals and families who use SNAP benefits with a dollar-for-dollar match that encourages the purchase of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Since piloting DUFB NY at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the DUFB NY program into over 220 locations across 29 counties and has served over 100,000 SNAP customers. “The Double Up program is a win-win-win,” said Lisa French, co- founder and executive director of Field & Fork Network. “Low-income families bring home more healthy food, local farmers sell more produce, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.”
Here’s how DUFB NY works:
- $1 for $1 match on SNAP eligible purchases, up to $20 per day, to purchase fresh local fruits & vegetables.
- SNAP users can sign up for the program at the market’s SNAP tent. When they receive their SNAP tokens they are matched with Double Up Tokens. Turning $20 into $40 to spend at your vendors booths.
- Double Up Food Bucks is a federally funded program, that is free to participate in. Our team provides training and tools to operate the program, as well as marketing support.
- Program is offered from July through October.
Businesses in the local farming and agriculture sector have seen an influx in customers because of Double Up Food Bucks. The ability for customers to stretch their food dollars with the incentive has driven new customers to Double Up sites and created opportunities for market partners to grow their business. “Creekside Market had been a seasonal market since inception, now with the addition of DUFB we are able to operate a year- round grocery store/farm market,” said Alan Butzer, owner of Creekside Market. “The additional sales from DUFB help justify our decision to operate year-round and create jobs.”
Interested sites can find the application and additional information about Double Up Food Bucks on the Double Up Food Bucks New York website Offer Double Up at Your Store or Market – Double Up food Bucks NYS (doubleupnys.com).
Applications must be completed by Saturday, April 1, 2023. Eligibility requirements apply.
Double Up Food Bucks is a nationwide fruit and vegetable incentive program, servicing millions of low-income SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users with a dollar-for-dollar match to increase affordability and access to fresh healthy foods at farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, mobile markets, and grocery stores. In New York State, Double Up has contributed to 5.2 million pounds of healthy food sales to over 100,000 customers, at more than 220 sites spanning 29 counties. To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks and a complete list of participating sites, please visit the program website and social media sites, or call 1-800-682-5016. www.doubleupnys.com | Facebook Instagram
FIELD & FORK NETWORK is a food and farming organization that connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. To learn more about our work please visit our website and social media sites at: www.fieldandforknetwork.com | Facebook Instagram Twitter
Contact: Nichole Borchard, Communications Director
Email: nborchard@fieldandforknetwork.com
Phone: 352-226-4830
–Field & Fork Network