In the photo, from left: Allegany County Legislature Chairman W. Brooke Harris from Alfred, NY State Senator George Borrello, Giant Food Mart Owner Nick Kusmierski, Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler, and Double Up Food Bucks Program Director Joshua McGuire.
We’re excited to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to making fresh, local food more accessible and affordable for SNAP shoppers. The Market in the Square and Giant Food Mart have partnered with us to bring the Double Up Food Bucks NY program to four new locations across New York State:
- The Market in the Square – 535 Division St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
- The Market in the Square – 940 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
- Giant Food Marts – 44 Park Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895
- Giant Food Marts – 72 Genesee St, Cuba, NY 14727
The Market in the Square and Giant Food Mart are the first grocery retailers in their communities to offer this program. This expansion marks a significant step forward in our mission to address food insecurity and promote healthier eating habits in communities across the state. Through innovative technology solutions, we can offer the program without a sign-up and with the ease of a coupon.
Here’s how the program works:
When customers purchase fresh produce using their SNAP card at any of these locations, they automatically receive a $1 for $1 match on their purchase, up to $5 per day, that can be redeemed for additional fresh fruits and vegetables. The coupon prints at the bottom of the receipt, and customers can earn up to $5 per day at The Market in the Square and Giant Food Marts locations. Plus, these coupons can be saved over multiple purchases for future transactions, providing ongoing support for nutritious food choices.
One key aspect of this program is our commitment to sourcing more of our produce from local farmers. By partnering with local growers, we not only support the regional economy but also ensure that our customers have access to the freshest, highest-quality fruits and vegetables.
To celebrate the launch, we were joined by City, County, and State representatives. We’re proud to share that the Double Up Food Bucks has received bipartisan support in the NYS Legislature for the last three years. This support underscores the importance of initiatives like ours in addressing food insecurity, supporting NY farmers, and promoting public health.
Double Up Food Bucks NY is a statewide nutrition incentive program that matches SNAP purchases at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and retail grocery sites.
“Our commitment to promoting healthier eating habits extends beyond offering this incentive. We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and showcasing the best produce Niagara County has to offer.” Owners Brian and Nick Kusmierski expressed their enthusiasm for the program and the opportunity to feature locally sourced fruits and vegetables in our produce department.
We’re excited to embark on this journey to make fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone in our communities. Together, we can make a positive impact on public health and food security in New York state. Let’s make healthy eating a reality for all!