To counteract post-pandemic decreases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the recently announced ‘Fresh 2 You’ initiative in New York State’s FreshConnect program has been implemented. 

It is intended to promote neighborhood farmers’ markets while also assisting low-income families. 

FreshConnect Program for Farmers’ Markets

Through the FreshConnect Fresh2You program, New Yorkers who qualify will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, enabling low-income families to buy more nutritious foods like produce, dairy products, and meats.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the project was started to counteract the recent decrease in SNAP payments provided by the federal government, as well as to enhance local food sourcing and provide New York’s farmers more money.

The FreshConnect Fresh2You program will now give SNAP recipients at participating farmers’ markets $2 checks for every $2 spent as part of the SNAP program, up from $2 for every $5 bought. This change will take effect on April 15.

You can buy dairy, veggies, meats, seafood, eggs, and other things using checks.

This provides the program with a twofold advantage by aiding those receiving SNAP benefits to eat a healthier diet rich in locally produced foods and, at the same time, increasing sales of items cultivated and produced by local farmers, supporting local agriculture.

Read more: SNAP Food Benefits Update Up To $1691 Payment; Check If You Are Qualify

The Benefits of New Program in New York State

In New York State, there are more than 400 farmers’ markets, 250 farmstands, and 10 mobile markets, each of which acts as a regional marketplace where customers and farmers can interact. 

The initiative was praised this week by Alexis Nigro of the Kingston farmers’ market, who pointed out that the market was already set up to manage the FreshConnect program.

Veterans, service members, and their immediate families can use the FreshConnect Checks program to apply the benefits at New York State farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in addition to SNAP recipients. 

This year, the offices of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will be giving away $50 in FreshConnect vouchers to veterans.

Read more: New York State Will Provide $20 Million In Food Aid To Multigenerational Households