Several programs are available to help low-income families, veterans, servicemembers, and older adults purchase fresh, healthy foods at local farmers’ markets through the New York State Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and FreshConnect Checks Program. New York State has over 700 farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets participating in the FMNP and FreshConnect Checks programs, supplying healthy homegrown foods to communities across the state.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is extraordinarily popular and provides older adults with farm-fresh produce grown right in their community, offering many nutritional benefits to help prevent illness, improve brain health, maintain energy, and so much more. Farmers’ markets also provide an important place for people to get out, see their neighbors and interact to overcome social isolation. To find out if you are eligible for this program, reach your local office for the aging by contacting NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.”
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) promotes local producers by expanding their sales at farmers’ markets and farm stands and fosters healthy communities though the consumption of locally grown foods. Consumers who are eligible are provided with coupons to use for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in New York State. If you are a low-income older adult (aged 60 years or older) or individual enrolled in WIC, living in New York State, you may be eligible to receive coupons. Older adults must contact their local county Office for the Aging for more information on where to receive Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) coupons. Individuals enrolled in WIC may contact their WIC clinic to ask how they can get coupons.
Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new initiative to double the buying power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients at farmers’ markets across New York State. The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative now provides eligible New Yorkers with a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $50 per day at participating farmers’ markets, which allows families in need to purchase more healthy food, including produce, dairy, and meats.
This new initiative is part of the long-standing FreshConnect Checks Program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture. It helps expand access to fresh food in underserved communities, to improve the diet of individuals in those communities and to foster economic development by supporting local producers. By allowing the purchase of dairy products, meats, and more in addition to the purchase of fruits and vegetables, the FreshConnect Checks Program supports even more producers across New York State.
To learn more about the farmers’ market programs or to find a market near you, visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.
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