Our 2023 Double Up Food Bucks farmers market applications are live!
Field & Fork Network and Double Up Food Bucks NY are seeking applications for the 2023 Double Up Food Bucks NY Market Season. New York State farmers markets, mobile markets, and farm stands that accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits are eligible to apply.
Markets that participated in the program last year, as well as new markets or mobile markets interested in participating this year, must complete an application by 4/1/23. The application can be found at https://doubleupnys.com/get-involved/offer-double-up-at-your-store-or-market.
About Double Up Food Bucks
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 NY at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the DUFB NY program into over 220 locations across 29 counties and has served over 100,000 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 NY works:
- $1 for $1 match on SNAP eligible purchases, up to $20 per day, to purchase fresh local fruits & vegetables.
- SNAP users can sign up for the program at the market’s SNAP tent. When they receive their SNAP tokens they are matched with Double Up Tokens. Turning $20 into $40 to spend at your vendors booths.
- Program is offered from July through October.
Benefits of Participating in Double Up Food Bucks
- Double Up Food Bucks is a federally funded program, that is free to participate in
- Attract new SNAP customers
- Monthly re-imbursement checks
- Our team provides training and tools to operate the program, as well as marketing support
- Brings more money to produce vendors, more money to farmers and makes produce more accessible for our community members – everyone wins!
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 had been a seasonal market since inception, now with the addition of DUFB we are able to operate 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.”
Eligibility Requirements
- Farmers/mobile markets located in New York State
- Accept SNAP benefits
- Sell NYS grown produce
- Farmers markets must have existing SNAP token system in operation
- Complete applicable monthly or weekly reporting
How to Apply
Interested sites can find the application and additional information about Double Up Food Bucks at https://doubleupnys.com/get-involved/offer-double-up-at-your-store-or-market/.
Applications will be accepted between February 15th, 2023 and April 1st, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
