New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently announced new enhancements to the State’s FreshConnect Checks (FCC) Program, which increases the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits used at farmers’ markets. Starting in 2025, farmers and vendors participating in the FCC Program will now be able to redeem program coupons electronically, allowing them to be reimbursed more quickly while maintaining continuity for customers. In 2025, $3.2 million in FCC coupons will be available to eligible New Yorkers, continuing the program’s goal to expand access to fresh food in underserved communities and foster economic development by driving revenue to farmers’ market vendors, including farmers, and helping them to reach new customers.
Commissioner Ball said, “Our FreshConnect Checks Program has long helped consumers access nutritious foods while assisting farmers in expanding their reach to new markets. With this new electronic redemption system, participating farmers and vendors will have more flexibility, with several paths available to facilitate reimbursement this year. This is a win-win-win that supports more vendor participation in the program, helps streamline the redemption process for participants, and ultimately gets more fresh, local food onto the tables of those that need it most.”
Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the FCC Program provides SNAP beneficiaries at participating farmers’ markets with $2 coupons for every $2 spent as part of the SNAP program. Customers can then use their FCC benefits to purchase SNAP-eligible food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey, breads, cereals, and more, at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. FCC coupons can be accepted by producers who sell SNAP eligible food items at any farmers’ market, farm stand, or mobile market in New York State.
In addition to SNAP consumers, the FCC Program is also available to Veterans, servicemembers, and their immediate families to use the benefits at New York State farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. Veterans can receive $50 in FreshConnect coupons this year from New York State Department of Veterans’ Services offices.
This year, a new, free mobile app will allow farmers and vendors participating in the program to redeem coupons electronically, including the option to get reimbursed faster via direct deposit.
Additionally, farmers and vendors may still choose to mail in coupons for redemption as they have done in previous years. The addition of the electronic redemption system increases versatility and encourages program participation, helping farmers and vendors to take part in the program in the way that works best for them, while continuing to help feed New Yorkers in need. Vendors interested in using the mobile app can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/3bjws45w. Consumers who use FCC benefits will not see any changes as they use their coupons at participating markets.
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