Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is calling on Governor Hochul and legislative leaders in Albany to allocate $3 million in the executive 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 helps reduce food insecurity by working with grocery stores, local retailers, farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. It provides a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh fruits and vegetables for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 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. 

“As grocery costs continue to rise, the Double Up incentive program helps SNAP recipients stretch their food budget and gives them greater access to healthy options for their families,” Senator Gallivan said.  “The program also benefits farmers and other business in communities across the state.”

In a letter to the governor, Senator Gallivan and several members of the Senate Minority Conference requested the funding for the program be continued in next year’s state budget.     

The Double Up Food Bucks program is available at over 230 locations in fifty-three counties, covering 85-percent of the state. 

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