The purchasing power of people who receive SNAP Benefits in the state of New York will increase by a factor of two at farmers’ markets.
The FreshConnect Fresh2You program will provide eligible New Yorkers with a dollar-for-dollar match, enabling families in need to purchase more nutritious foods, such as produce, dairy, and meats.
SNAP Benefits Reduction
According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative was launched to compensate for the recent reduction of SNAP benefits by the federal government, as well as to provide increased revenue for New York’s farmers and increase local food sourcing.
Hochul stated that New York has taken substantial measures to foster mutually beneficial relationships between local farmers and the communities they serve.
“The new Fresh2You initiative will help ensure that New Yorkers have more money to spend on healthy foods, such as dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables, while also improving health outcomes, boosting the economy of New York’s farmers, and strengthening the food supply chain.”
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Positive Impacts on Local Food Systems
As of Monday, April 15, SNAP customers at participating farmers’ markets will receive $2 checks for every $2 spent, up from $2 checks for every $5 spent, thanks to the FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative. Dairy products, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, and other groceries can all be purchased with a check.
Any farmer or vendor selling SNAP-eligible foods at a New York State farmers’ market, farm stand, or mobile market can accept a FreshConnect Check and participate in the program.
We are thrilled to launch this new match program, recognizing the significance this will have for both New York consumers and farmers. It will increase access to nutritious, healthy foods, which will also benefit our farmers and producers directly, according to New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
In addition to SNAP recipients, the FreshConnect Checks program is available to veterans, service members, and their immediate families for use at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in New York State.
This year, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services offices can provide $50 in FreshConnect coupons to veterans.
FreshConnect Fresh2You will go a long way toward assisting consumers who lost SNAP benefits as a result of SNAP program cuts.
This significantly increases their purchasing power and encourages them to shop directly with farmers at the numerous farmer’s markets throughout the state, according to Diane Eggert, executive director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.
This has a two-fold effect: it encourages people receiving SNAP benefits to eat a diet higher in locally grown and produced foods, which in turn helps local farmers. We applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to the state’s farmers and local food.
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