Updates From the Field

Field & Fork February Newsletter

Field & Fork Network is actively advocating for a $2 million annual appropriation in the state budget.  All state funding will be used to leverage additional federal funds, which require a 100% match, through the USDA’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive grant program. If we can secure state funding, that would mean an additional $4 million for New York families, farmers, and local communities. It will allow Double Up to expand to approximately 50 new sites across the state– reaching ~100,000+ new SNAP customers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.

We continue to meet with state representatives who have expressed support for the program; Assemblymembers Demond Meeks, of Rochester, Donna Lupardo, of Binghamton, and Mark Walczyk committed to introducing a support letter. However, this is only the first step in a lengthy process, and we need your help!

If you are willing to help us, please click below so we can keep you updated with advocacy opportunities.AdkAction is a small but mighty nonprofit serving the rural communities of the Adirondack Park. With a shared vision of creating a more sustainable food system, they have been a strong partner and leader in their region; developing innovative ideas on how to address food insecurity. One example of this is the Fair Food Pricing Program. The program stemmed from their Emergency Food Boxes, which delivered a weekly box of 15 healthy fresh meals, sourced mostly from local farms for individuals facing food insecurity due to COVID 19. The boxes were a huge success, with more than 64,000 meals delivered.

Building off this success, they recently piloted the Fair Food Program, bringing locally produced food into reach for those hovering just above the poverty line. The program is open to anyone but gives qualified* households a discount code to take 30% off the price of farm fresh packages. In addition to the discount, SNAP recipients can use their EBT card and Double Up Food Bucks to pay for the packages. These food boxes do more than deliver fresh food; they create a connection between the food and the community, break down barriers and eliminate misconceptions. We hope to see more programs like this across the state.

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Syracuse Co-op Launches Double Up Food Bucks

Double Up Food Bucks Launch at Syracuse Co-op

People and families who get Supplemental Nutrition assistance (SNAP) have the opportunity to stretch those dollars farther when buying fruit and vegetables, thanks to a new program. The Syracuse Coopertive Market is taking part in ‘Double Up Food Bucks’ to help those on limited incomes put healthier food on their tables. Market General Manger Jeremy DeChario says produce can prove too expensive for many people to risk their limited food budget on.

“People can take a chance on some lettuce or a potato or some squash rather than … getting the cheaper, processed, packaged calories.  This really lets people take the opportunity to spread their food dollars further into fresh and local produce.”

The way Double Up works is it doubles up to $20 a day of purchases made with SNAP dollars on fruits and vegetables. If lower income families take advantage and buy more produce, it can have far-reaching health benefits.

Maura Ackerman is with the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance. She says this can remove some of the barriers to eating healthier that create health habits.

“Greater exposure to fruits and vegetables means kids grow up to be adults who are really familiar with lots of different types of foods and choose to put those foods on their own plates.  The earlier we can expose kids to those options and those flavors, really goes to support long-term health benefits a any weight.” 

Program Manager Frances McGuire says the program is in other areas of the state already, serving around 35,000 SNAP recipients. She explains it also helps boost the local economy.

“It benefits SNAP shoppers who are getting that health food on their plates.  But it’s also benefitting farmers.  We work really carefully to select sites for the program that source produce locally, so that extra-incentive dollar is going directly back into the pockets of local farmers who we know can use a little extra money.” 

McGuire says funding for Double Up Food Bucks comes from a $2 million annual US Department of Agriculture and is matched with local dollars in each area. Here that match comes from the Allyn Foundation. The program is available through both Syracuse Cooperative Market locations and the Brady Market. They’d like to expand to more local stores and are hoping for more funding from the state and county to do so.

WAER Story Link

Binghamton Grocery Store Works in Incentive for SNAP Beneficiaries in Former Food Desert

Greater Good Grocery Launches Double Up

Some Shoppers on Binghamton’s north side are getting some big help. A new program allows anyone using SNAP benefits at the Greater Good Grocery store will now get a dollar match for any piece of produce purchased.

Officials say they hope a program like this can go a long way in fighting hunger in what was a former food desert for the area.

Kinya Middleton has been with the Greater Good Grocery store since it opened in 2021 and can now call herself the general manager.

“I think every day when I come here, I’m excited to come here. It doesn’t really feel like a job. It’s amazing. It’s such a great feeling,” said Middleton, general manager at Great Good Grocery.

And for the 12,000 residents on Binghamton’s North side, the grocery store has been a long time coming, serving one of the poorest spots in the city.

“For 25 years, there hasn’t been a grocery store in this area, so people come and a lot of people in this area don’t have access to cars so it’s easy for them just to get here and back. Simple,” said Middleton.

With new items stocked nearly every day, Middleton is helping serve a community that went unserved for over two decades.

“Interacting with the customers is the greatest part of the day. It makes the time go by and you learn so much from different people, you just never know what you’re going to learn and it’s good to always expand your mind, and also help people,” said Middleton.

Another helpful piece of the puzzle comes thanks to the Double Up Program, allowing those using SNAP benefits to get a dollar match for every piece of produce they purchase.

That money can then be used to buy fruits and vegetables at a later date.

“That will definitely help right now, especially with prices going up with food. It definitely stretches anybody’s food budget,” said Middleton.

Middleton says she knows it’s just the beginning, with the grocery store having already served over 7,000 people in the its first few months. And while 45% of people who shop at Greater Good Grocery use SNAP benefits, Middleton says the store is open to anyone.

Spectrum News Article

Field & Fork Network Partners with Emmanuel Sanders and the Buffalo Bills Foundation to Tackle Food Insecurity

Field & Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks New York program expands healthy food access for low-income families

Field & Fork Network announced its partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation today, joining a collection of local organizations participating in their Huddle for Hunger initiative addressing child hunger, nutritious food access, and healthy eating in Western New York. Double Up Food Bucks New York, a healthy food incentive program administered by Field & Fork Network, does just that by providing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match to purchase more fruits and vegetables.

Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders will take on a new position as spokesperson for the program. “I’m proud to help shine a light on healthy food disparities and programs like Double Up Food Bucks which work to make it easier for people to put nutritious food on the table for their families,” said Sanders. “This cause is very personal to me and I hope that through this partnership I can continue to connect with people of Western New York community, while ensuring they get access to the resources available to them that make food more affordable.”

Nearly 20% of Western New Yorkers are food insecure with a high potential of qualifying for SNAP benefits. With Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), $20 spent on eligible SNAP purchases equals an extra $20 earned that can be used to purchase fresh, local produce. Since piloting DUFB at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the program into over 180 farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, small retail, and corner stores across 30 counties in New York State, serving over 24,000 SNAP customers.

“The partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Emmanuel Sanders is incredibly exciting and will no doubt significantly raise awareness of the Double Up Food Bucks New York program. Our goal of eradicating food insecurity while improving the health of SNAP shoppers and strengthening the local food economy is that much closer with their help and support,” states Field & Fork Network’s Executive Director, Lisa French.

In addition to the collaboration with Sanders, the Buffalo Bills Foundations generously awarded Field & Fork Network $25,000 to conduct marketing and outreach, across the region, for the Double Up Food Bucks New York program. Field & Fork Network will be launching a robust promotional campaign featuring Sanders that will help drive awareness of the program and inform SNAP shoppers how to best use the program in stretching their food budgets.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Emmanuel Sanders as we tackle food insecurity in Western New York,” said Frances McGuire, Program Manager. “Double Up Food Bucks is an incredible resource that empowers SNAP shoppers to make healthy choices. Emmanuel’s voice will help us go the extra yard to spread the word about the program in the community.”

The first installment in connecting the community together through football and food will be Field & Fork Network’s participation in the Buffalo Bills Foundation Game on September 26th. From 9am until game start at 1pm, you can find the Double Up Food Bucks team on the Billevard handing out prizes and program information and giving eligible attendees the opportunity to sign up. Thanks to the foundation, two DUFB shoppers were awarded free tickets to the game and will also be in attendance with their families. There may even be a special guest!

“I could not be more excited to be partnering with Emmanuel Sanders and the Buffalo Bills Foundation!” said Stephanie Tisdale, Field & Fork Network Board President. “Not everyone within our community is fortunate enough to have regular access to healthy, sustainable options. Double Up Food Bucks is an amazing program that makes this dream and need an attainable reality. Thank you so much to the Buffalo Bills Foundation for their role in this and a very special thanks to Mr. Sanders. We at Field & Fork Network are so appreciative, beyond excited, and this is only the beginning!”

Double Up Food Bucks not only encourages healthy eating while providing the means to afford and access local food by meeting people where they are, but also supports local farmers and economies by putting the money back into their pockets. It’s a win-win-win for all! Field & Fork Network will continue to work with local partners to expand DUFB into more communities that will benefit from it the most. To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks and to find a complete list of participating sites, please visit www.doubleupnys.com/locations.

KeyBank, in partnership with the First Niagara Foundation, Awards Field & Fork Network $50,000 to Support Healthy Corner Store Initiative

Local Food Action Plan aims to bring healthy options to vulnerable neighborhoods of Niagara Falls to empower healthier food choices

Field & Fork Network has been awarded a $50,000 grant, from KeyBank in partnership with the First Niagara Foundation, to propel a healthy corner store initiative that will bring healthy food options to the Niagara Falls community, while providing technical support to store owners and nutrition education to residents. The project will be nurtured by Healthy Food Healthy People, a work group that is focused on increasing food access by strengthening the local food system. 

The grant, which gives back to First Niagara Foundation’s community roots, is part of KeyBank’s $40 billion National Community Benefits Plan which symbolizes their commitment to empowering individuals and neighborhoods through investment in programs that provide long term enhancement to their quality of life. 

 “The work that Field and Fork Network is doing to bring healthy and fresh food to all areas of our community is both important and transformational,” said Elizabeth Gurney, KeyBank Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Executive Director of the First Niagara Foundation. “We are so very supportive of their efforts and are proud to stand with them as they work to increase food access by strengthening the local food system.” 

 The healthy corner store initiative will not only encourage but give local businesses the tools to understand the importance as well as financial benefit to supporting fresh food sales. Residents will also be empowered to not only choose to eat healthy foods but have access to them, especially in those neighborhoods that may not have any other grocery options.  

 “We are so grateful for this funding from the First Niagara Foundation as it will allow for relevant stakeholders to come together to plan for and implement hyperlocal access to healthy food options in neighborhood-based corner stores, helping to alleviate transportation challenges, which is one of the largest barriers to accessing healthy food” said Tom Lowe, Project Director for the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan. 

 Healthy Food Healthy People started in 2013, and is comprised of over 35 community organizations and residents who have developed the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan to affect policy from the street up to government levels. The plan is strategically broken down into four key frameworks–agriculture, economic development, education, and healthy neighborhoods – each with several actionable and resident-driven objectives.  

 To read the full Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan and learn how to get involved in this or the other plan goals, visit https://bit.ly/NFfoodactionplan. 

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE BELLONE ANNOUNCES FIRST DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS PROGRAM ON LONG ISLAND

Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation Authorizes $25,000 to Fund Field & Fork Network to Combat Food Insecurity

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation has approved a $25,000 grant to Field & Fork Network to bring the Double Up Foods Bucks Program to Suffolk County. Double Up Food Bucks doubles the value of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, that is spent at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, corner stores, small retail locations, farm stands and grocery stores, helping residents to bring home more locally grown fruits and vegetables.

“With more than 350,000 Long Islanders not knowing where their next meal will come from, this program will not only give low income residents the chance to make healthier food choices, it will also allow local farmers to gain new customers and make more money, ” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Double Up Food Bucks will also allow more food dollars to stay in our local economy.”

Natalie Wright, Commissioner, Economic Development & Planning and Chair of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation said: “The Double Up Food Bucks program is a win-win for local food producers and the community – strengthening our food economy and assisting families who are facing food insecurity. The Economic Development Corporation endorses this creative effort.”

Double Up Food Bucks can only be used to purchase New York-grown fruits and vegetables. You can also use Double Up Food Bucks to purchase food bearing plants such as tomato plants, etc. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible. If you have a SNAP EBT Card, you can use this program at a participating Double Up Food Bucks program site. Participating retailers must serve New York grown produce and accept SNAP benefits. For more information on Double Up Food Bucks, visit www.doubleupnys.com.

Field & Fork Network is a non-profit organization serving New York State. Their mission is to connect communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. The Field & Fork Network began administering the Double Up Food Bucks program in 2014 at 7 farmers markets in Western New York. By 2021, the program has grown to be in 29 counties and over 150 farmers markets, mobile markets, grocery, small retail and farm stand locations. For more information on the Field & Fork Network, visit http://www.fieldandforknetwork.com.

In 2018, Suffolk County launched “Choose LI – Local and Independent”, a collaborative effort that seeks to raise awareness, advocate and inspire the community to support local and independent businesses on Long Island, including local fruits and vegetables. Residents can visit www.chooseli.org to find participating Double Up Food Bucks locations.

Farmers markets and farm stands interested in participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program should reach out to August Ruckdeschel at August.ruckdeschel@suffolkcountyny.gov.

National Farmers Market Week works to highlight how much value markets bring to their communities. The week includes fun events, specials, contests and activities to help boost market attendance and visibility in local communities. National Farmers Market week begins August 1st and runs through August 7th

Lisa French, co-founder and CEO of Field & Fork Network said: “I want to thank Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for their commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting local agriculture by investing in Double Up Food Bucks for their community. Double Up Food Bucks is a proven, innovative sustainable model that simultaneously delivers health and economic opportunity. Helping New Yorkers buy fresh, healthy food from local farmers is a simple, yet powerful concept. With Double Up Food Bucks every dollar spent does at least double duty, providing a dollar in new sales for NY family farmers and a dollar in real nutrition assistance, improving community health, and keeping food dollars circulating in the local economy.”

August Ruckdeschel, Chair, Suffolk County Food Policy Council said: “I want to thank the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for providing the seed money for this exciting program. The Double Up Food Bucks program has proven its value to consumers and farmers across New York state and across this nation. Bringing the program to Long Island has been a dream of the Suffolk County Food Policy Council for many years, and we are ready and willing to ensure the program is a local success.”

 Teddy Bolkas, Farmer, Thera Farms at CSJ Brentwood said:  “Food insecurity, especially for our children is a terrible thing. We hope our participation in this wonderful program will help feed hungry families on Long Island.”

Kara Bak, Director, Housing and Community Services for the Town of Southampton said: “The Town of Southampton is looking forward to participating in the Double Up Food Bucks Program at its Flanders Farm Fresh Food Market located at the Crohan Center in Flanders where families can be provided with local farm fresh vegetables and local fresh baked goods each Saturday during the Summer”.

Kate Fullam, Executive Director, East End Food Institute said: “The Riverhead Indoor Farmers Market will return this fall at the corner of Main Road and Cross River Drive in Riverhead, formerly the Homeside Garden Center. For the first time, the market will accept SNAP benefits and will also partner with Field & Fork to launch the Double Up Food Bucks program in Suffolk County. We are thrilled to be improving access to local food and creating new opportunities for producers to connect with the community.”

Michele Gervat, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association said: “The benefits of eating colorful, delicious and nutritious foods are undeniable, keeping our bodies and minds healthier, longer. All fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that may help prevent heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. The American Heart Association recommends filling at least half your plate with fruits and veggies to make it to the recommended five servings per day. We applaud the announcement by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for approving a $25,000 grant to Field and Fork Network to bring the Double Up Foods Bucks Program to Suffolk County. We look forward to continuous support to ensure the improvement in health outcomes for all Suffolk County residents.”

 

*Press Release from the Office of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Double Up Food Bucks Nearly Doubles Its Summer Seasonal Markets Across New York State

SNAP incentive program increases food access for low-income families and supports local farmers

Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up), a nutrition incentive program expanding across New York State, opens for its 8th summer season. The program, administered by Field & Fork Network, matches federal food dollars one-for-one, giving shoppers access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.  

Since piloting at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Double Up Food Bucks has expanded into 30 counties across the state and has served over 24,000+ customers. The program now operates in farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, healthy corner stores, and grocery stores. 

 Here’s how Double Up works: The value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, formerly known as food stamps) spent on locally grown fruits and vegetables is matched up to $20 per day, providing shoppers with additional dollars to bring home more produce. SNAP shoppers can sign up for the program easily and quickly at any participating location by visiting a market’s EBT booth or talking to a store associate.  

 “We are looking forward to the 2021 Double Up Food Bucks market season!” said Frances McGuire, Double Up Food Bucks Program Manager at Field & Fork Network. “The program is an incredible and empowering tool for low-income families. It allows SNAP users to stretch their food dollars and to make healthy choices that they could not afford to make otherwise with such a limited budget. Double Up Food Bucks also provides a huge boost for our local growers and has been important in helping them stay afloat during such a challenging year.” When asked if there was anything exciting shoppers should look forward to seeing this season McGuire said, “We are so excited to see the program expand into 60 new seasonal sites this year, in 8 new counties across New York State.”  

 Double Up now serves the following New York State counties: 

Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Rensselaer, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Wayne, Westchester 

Double Up Food Bucks attempts to meet people where they are, even year-round – if you can’t find a location near you there may be one coming soon. For a complete list of participating Double Up sites and hours of operation, visit our locations page here.  

Shoppers can earn and redeem Double Up Food Bucks at seasonal markets from July 1st to October 31st. 

 

Local Food Action Plan Moves Forward with Strategic Roadmap

food action framework

Food is a natural convener of people – family, friends, welcome guests, and new ideas – so should an organization rooted in food access.

 

Healthy Food Healthy People of Niagara Falls partnered with local consultant Buffalo Moose Group to work with community leaders, throughout 2020-2021, to create a strategic roadmap to move the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan forward.

“We understand and embrace the value of difference, making use of each individual or organization’s strengths, and that much is gained through collaboration,” said Cynnie Gaasch of Buffalo Moose Group. “We understand that many organizations have suffered from a lack of investment from those in positions of power. Together, we help clients to move into strength and gain the support they deserve.”

Since 2009, when the Niagara Falls residents began its investigation into quality of life, health, and safety, the need to improve health outcomes for residents had become clear. Thanks to the work of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan, channels to support improved health have now been identified, and this roadmap for the development of a new and sustainable organization dedicated to improving food access is taking shape for the benefit of all Niagara Falls residents. The Niagara Falls Food Action Roadmap calls for the work to be a relevant celebration and opportunity – of strength rather than poverty.

Residents of Niagara Falls, New York, are mobilizing to create a robust and healthy community through the vital source of food. Today there is an opportunity to secure the strength of our community, allowing food to be the catalyst for growth it is, but not just for healthy bodies. The potential for food to have a positive impact on economic development, community, good health, learning, growth, and great conversation is there. This roadmap is focused on activating the talents and resources of our region to create that change around food in Niagara Falls.

There will be opportunities for small-business development, entrepreneurship, neighbors helping neighbors, increased equity around how food resources are distributed, balance through food justice, and a healthy community that begins to restore residents’ trust.

We’d like to thank all of our partners for guiding this process, starting with Project Director Tom Lowe, from Field & Fork Network, and the steering committee, who met monthly, made up of: Brian Archie – Create a Healthier Niagara Falls, Lisa French – Field & Fork Network, Lisa Neff – American Heart Association, Lynne Neveu – Planned Parenthood of Western and Central NY, Jeanette Koncikowski – Grassroots Gardens of WNY, Jen Regan – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, and Rob Sozanski – USA Niagara Empire State Development.

To read more about the strategic roadmap please read the narrative found here.

Refresh your memory of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan here.

 

Double Up Food Bucks New York Releases 2021 Request for Applications

market application season

Field & Fork Network’s Nutrition Incentive program increases healthy food access for low-income families, supports local farmers

Buffalo, NY – Field & Fork Network is seeking applications for the 2021 Double Up Food Bucks Season. Farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, grocery, and small retail sites in New York State that accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits are eligible to apply for the program.

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 at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the DUFB program into over 150 locations across 23 counties in the state and has served over 22,500 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 works: It matches the value of SNAP dollars spent on locally grown fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day, providing shoppers with additional dollars to bring home more produce. SNAP users can sign up for the program easily and quickly at any participating location.

As New Yorkers continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Double Up program can provide low-income consumers with a much-needed way to stretch their food dollars. “Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, more New Yorkers are facing the choice between being hungry and eating healthy every day,” says French. “Bringing the Double Up program into more sites across the state can help eliminate that choice.”

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] has been a seasonal market since inception [but] DUFB is one of the key reasons we are becoming 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 New York State website www.doubleupnys.com/getinvolved. Applications must be completed by Friday, April 23, 2021. Eligibility requirements apply.

One-House Budgets Leave Out Vital Support for Sustainable Food Assistance Programs

food banks help to serve those in immediate need but won't sustain a healthy food lifestyle long-term

Field & Fork Network seeking $1 million allocation of funding to support Double Up Food Bucks Nutrition Incentive program

Buffalo, NY – Today, Field & Fork Network voiced its deep disappointment in the omission of funding for the Double Up Food Bucks NYS program in the New York State Senate and Assembly One-House budget proposals passed this week.

The assembly budget proposal includes a $25 million appropriation to support Nourish NY – a state initiative founded by Governor Cuomo at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that provides surplus agricultural products to emergency food organizations at competitive prices. In a time where hunger is escalating at an unprecedented rate, emergency food services provide an essential lifeline for families in need. However, heavily investing exclusively in programs like Nourish NY takes away funding from more sustainable programs that give families more flexible food options that fit their lifestyles and food choices.

“While the Nourish NY program has provided excellent support to struggling NYS farmers and families during the pandemic environment, it is important for the state to lessen the load placed on the emergency food system by investing in nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks that can lead to long-term improvement in food-insecurity,” said Lisa French, co-founder and executive director of Field & Fork Network.

Field & Fork Network is urging state legislators to consider earmarking $1 million of the $25 million appropriated to Nourish NY to the Double Up Food Bucks NYS program. Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) is a nutrition incentive program that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits dollar-for-dollar, on fresh fruit and vegetable purchases at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, small retail, and grocery locations. Since 2014, Double Up has helped to provide access to healthy, affordable produce to over 22,500 customers across New York State, while also supporting over 200+ farmers with increased revenue. Today, Double Up operates in 23 counties across upstate NY—with plans to double its footprint by 2024.

Double Up Food Bucks owes this success in part to the continued support received from a set of diverse partners, like the American Heart Association, that actively advocate on the program’s behalf. “The American Heart Association understands the importance of prioritizing access to healthy food initiatives, especially during the pandemic,” said Caitlin O’Brien, government relations director at American Heart Association. “The Double Up Food Bucks program which was not funded in either of the legislature’s budget bills, is a
commonsense solution. The legislature did appropriate $25 million for the Nourish NY Program, however. This is a good program that provides emergency food assistance, and the Double Up program would be a helpful supplement. If the state took $1 million of the funds allotted to this and invested them in Double Up Food Bucks, that would be an investment in a long-term, sustainable program to help with nutrition insecurity.”

Incentive programs like Double Up meet people where they are in their communities by providing access to more affordable food in existing food retail sites and farmers markets. Double Up addresses major food-insecurity challenges, like access and affordability, by partnering with stores in areas of high need to give people the power to choose their own foods. “Double Up allows SNAP users to purchase foods they want to eat on a long-term basis, rather than having to rely on what is available at a food bank or soup kitchen,” said French. “When families can choose their own foods, they will have an easier time fostering healthy eating habits, changing behaviors, and fitting their diets to their time and cooking capabilities.”

Diversifying solutions to address food insecurity long-term is a more sustainable way to ensure people are empowered with the choice for healthier, obtainable alternatives that conform to their dietary or culturally appropriate food needs. It also gives them the choice of where to buy, which in turn establishes a long-term relationship with local stores and farmers who then expand their customer base and income. This puts food dollars spent back into local economies, leading to a wider economic impact. According to a recent study performed by Colorado State University, healthy food incentive programs lead to powerful returns on investment. The study showed that for every dollar spent in New York State with Double Up, $2.20 goes back into stimulating the local economy. In 2020 alone, Double Up program purchases contributed $500,000 to the NYS economy. Further investment in the program by the state would significantly increase that number. To read the full economic impact study and to learn more about Double Up Food Bucks New York, please visit www.doubleupnys.com/resources.