Chatham Co-op Launches Double Up Food Bucks
SNAP Incentive program increases healthy food access for low-income families, supports local farmers
Chatham Co-op announces the launch of Double Up Food Bucks New York (Double Up), a program administered by Field & Fork Network, doubling the buying power of SNAP customers. The program matches $1 for $1 federal SNAP dollars, up to $20 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on New York-grown produce.
“Here at the Chatham Co-op we are actively striving to fulfill our mission as a Co-operative. One of the 7 Guiding Principles of Co-operatives is Concern for Community: Co-operatives working for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. The DUFB Incentive is great for the community as it benefits the customer, the farmer and the local economy. Local, fresh produce should be affordable and available to all, and we believe this incentive is a step in the right direction for our community. Hopefully, it will be a first step, with many more to follow that will benefit the farmer, customer & community. After all, what is more important than real, nutritious food for all?”
Double Up is a win-win-win, it helps low-income families stretch their food budgets, local farmers sell more produce, and more food dollars stay in the local economy. Each has a positive ripple effect of benefits,” said Lisa French, co-founder and Executive Director of Field & Fork Network, which administers the Double Up program in New York State. “By incentivizing the purchasing and consuming of healthier foods, we also aim to improve the overall health and well-being of those we serve.”
Since piloting at 7 Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Double Up has expanded into over 30 counties and 180 locations across the state, serving over 38,000 SNAP households. The program is funded by New York State, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and over 30 philanthropic organizations across the state. Locally, we would like to recognize the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, who continues to be a key partner in helping us bring the program to life in Columbia County.
Chatham Co-op is open to the public Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Additional Double Up sites in the Columbia County include Rolling Grocer 19, Copake Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, and Saugerties Farmers Market. For a complete list of participating Double Up sites and hours of operation, visit www.doubleupnys.com/locations.
The Chatham Real Food Market is an outlet for the products of our Columbia County farms and kitchens, providing education about food and agriculture, and promoting a more localized food system. The store is co-operatively owned by the members of our community. It aims to strengthen our rural community, develop our food security, and help build a healthy local economy in our county.
Double Up Food Bucks is a nationwide fruit and vegetable incentive program, servicing millions of low-income SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users with a dollar-for-dollar match to increase affordability and access to fresh healthy foods at farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, mobile markets, and grocery stores. In New York State, Double Up has contributed to 4.8 million pounds of healthy food sales to over 38,000 customers, at more than 180 sites spanning 30 counties.
Field & Fork Network is a NYS nonprofit organization that connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system.
