Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is urging legislative leaders in Albany to include $2 million in the 2024-25 state budget for the ‘Double Up Food Bucks New York’ program, which helps individuals and families afford locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables.  The program is administered by the non-profit organization Field & Fork Network.

The Double Up program matches every dollar that a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spends on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating locations. The program is free for anyone receiving SNAP benefits and increases purchasing power by doubling their benefits. As a result, recipients purchase more healthy foods and local farms and businesses benefit.  In 2023, Double Up distributed $17,127 in the 60th Senate District alone.

“As inflation and food costs have increased, the Double Up program has helped SNAP recipients stretch their food budget and access healthier options for their families,” Senator Gallivan said.  “Equally important is the support the program provides for New York farms.  This funding will allow the program to serve additional families and expand the number of participating businesses.”

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Gallivan and members of the Senate Minority Conference requested the funding be included in the budget currently under negotiation. 

The Double Up Food Bucks program is available at over 230 locations in thirty-two counties across New York.  More than 100,000 SNAP shoppers have participated in the program.

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