SNAP money spent at NY farmers' markets now earns dollar-for-dollar match

ALBANY | A new state initiative will double the buying power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients at farmers' markets across New York State — and at the same time, increase revenue for New York State farmers. The FreshConnect Fresh2You program will now provide eligible New Yorkers with a dollar-for-dollar match, which will allow eligible families to purchase more healthy food, including produce, dairy and meats. This new initiative will help to offset the recent reduction in SNAP benefits that were a part of pandemic relief efforts as well as record inflation costs, provide increased revenue for New York's farmers, and boost local food sourcing while eliminating food scarcity — some of the goals outlined in Gov. Hochul's Executive Budget proposal and her State of the State address. "New York has taken significant steps to develop strong, mutually-beneficial relationships between local farmers and the communities they feed," Gov. Hochul said in an April 12 news release. "The new Fresh2You initiative will help ensure New Yorkers have more money to spend on healthy foods like dairy, meat, produce . . . while creating greater health outcomes, an economic boost to New York's farmers and a stronger food supply chain." SNAP NOW GIVES $2 FOR EVERY $2 SPENT TO CARDHOLDERS 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. This new initiative is part of the long-standing FreshConnect Checks Program, which is administered by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. It helps expand access to fresh food in underserved communities, to improve the diet of individuals in those communities and to foster economic development by supporting local farmers. By allowing the purchase of dairy products, meats and more — in addition to the purchase of fruits and vegetables — the FreshConnect program supports even more farmers across New York State. 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 Fresh2You initiative. Checks can be used to purchase dairy, produce, meats, fish, eggs and other items. The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative will launch and be available to consumers April 15. Market operators will be receiving new marketing materials and training on the new initiative. VETERANS BENEFIT AS WELL In addition to SNAP consumers, the FreshConnect Checks program is also available to veterans, service members and their immediate families to use the benefits at New York State farmers' markets, farm stands and mobile markets. Veterans can receive $50 in FreshConnect coupons this year from New York State Department of Veterans' Services offices.

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SNAP money spent at NY farmers' markets now earns dollar-for-dollar match

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