The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and Division of Veterans Services (DVS) has expanded the FreshConnect Checks program and aims to increase participation in the program by veterans, servicemembers, and their immediate families. An enhanced distribution strategy this year includes county veteran service providers across the state, increasing the number of sites distributing checks, and lengthens the time period of this seasonal program. Additionally, newly developed promotional materials are aimed at helping veterans learn about the benefits available to them through the program and how to participate.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The FreshConnect Checks program helps consumers access nutritious foods while helping farmers expand their reach into new markets. We want to make sure that our veterans, servicemembers, and their families know that they can tap into this program and use this benefit to purchase fresh, local New York State products to put on the table.”
$200,000 in FreshConnect Checks is available to veterans, servicemembers, and their immediate family members at all DVS offices statewide. New this year, county veterans services agencies are now able to distribute FreshConnect Checks, greatly increasing the number of sites distributing checks from 31 last year to 59 this year. Additionally, this year the distribution period for FreshConnect was moved to May 1 from July 1, lengthening the program’s utility by two months. New promotional materials have been created for Veterans to increase awareness of the program and how to participate. Materials include a palm card and a rack card that explain what the program is, how to use FreshConnect checks, and how to find a participating farmers’ market, farm stand, or mobile market.
There are no income restrictions, combat service requirements, or length of military service requirements for a veteran, servicemember, or eligible family member to receive an allotment of FreshConnect Checks. Any eligible veteran, servicemember, or family member may receive $20 worth of FreshConnect Checks for redemption at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. FreshConnect Checks can be used to purchase dairy, produce, meats, fish, eggs, and more. Coupons are currently being distributed. Veterans interested in learning more should call 585-333-4640 for more information.
Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Federation of NY said, “In these times of high inflation, FreshConnect is a great way to help consumers stretch their food dollars while introducing them to fresh, healthy, locally grown foods and generating additional sales for our state’s farmers. We are pleased to see this program extend to our Veterans as well, ensuring our Vets can afford a healthy diet.”
New York State launched the FreshConnect Program in 2011 to create new farmers’ markets and support existing markets that provide outlets for fresh food in high need neighborhoods. FreshConnect helps expand access to fresh food in underserved communities, improve the diets of individuals in those communities, and foster economic development. FreshConnect-funded projects aim to provide a boost to New York farmers and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to farm fresh products and are encouraged to accept other nutrition incentives, such as WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs.
The FreshConnect Checks program encourages recipients to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at participating farmers’ markets. The program provides $2 incentive coupons for every $5 in SNAP benefits spent with the market, increasing the purchasing power of SNAP consumers by 40 percent. In 2021, more than $4.9 million in SNAP sales occurred at farmers’ markets throughout the state, an 85% increase over 2020. A full list of participating markets is available at https://agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.
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