BUFFALO, N.Y. — Farmer's markets are the place to be this summer, and Double Up Food Bucks NY is making it easier for shoppers in the community.
A food and farming non-profit, Field & Fork Network, are launching their 10th season of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) matching program.
Through this program fresh fruits and vegetables will be easier to obtain and afford for NYS residents that have low incomes. This program will begin on Saturday, June 15.
For every dollar spent at farmer's markets with SNAP benefits, Double Up shoppers will receive up to $20 additional dollars per day. This encourages shoppers to purchase double the amount that they usually would of fruits and vegetables.
“My SNAP is limited but with Double Up I can treat myself to something good. It gives me a little extra and I feel good because it goes back to a very good cause, the farmers,” said Melanie Emiliani.
In addition to supporting families receiving SNAP benefits, this initiative will also aid local agricultural economies by encouraging connections to be made between markets and the public, and giving back to the farmers.
Clinton Bailey Farmers Market Manager, Sharon Baldi, said "Our market has been a part of the Double Up Food Bucks program since 2014. We have seen how the program has grown from year to year, benefiting both the farmers and the community. Each year the program is offered, the outreach to the community increases. Our farmers have made over $1M between SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks. This is a huge part of our revenue."
To find a farmer's market near you, click here for a full list.
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