Double Up Food Bucks 2014 Year End Report

Cheryl Bilinski, Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead
Harvest New York

June 19, 2015
Double Up Food Bucks 2014 Year End Report

Using philanthropic funds, Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets up to $20/market/day. The program aims to improve access to and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income families and grow the local economy by supporting purchases from local farmers.

Piloted in 2014, the DUFB program is viewed as a tremendous success in meeting program goals. Below is a brief overview of the program success realized at participating markets in 2014:

  • 219% increase in SNAP sales sales
  • 415% increase in total food assistance dollars (SNAP + DUFB)
  • 1,000+ new customers to the market
  • 90% of customers have increased the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables they are buying
  • 87% of customers have increased trips to the farmers markets
  • 93% of customers are eating more fruits and vegetables
  • 70% farmers say they are making more money
  • 62% reported they have a new customer base

The program is made possible by the generous support of the following foundations: John R Oishei Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, First Niagara Foundation, Univera, East Hill Foundation, Grigg Lewis Foundation, M&T Foundation, and Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. 



2014 DUFB Year End Report (pdf; 142KB)


view calendar of events

Upcoming Events

Companion Planting in the Food Garden--with Mushrooms!

November 12, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY

Companion planting (or intercropping) is an ancient method of increasing yields and maximizing growing space. Learn how to diversify your garden harvest while enjoying the mutual benefits of intercropping with mushrooms, such as improving soil health and water retention. Plan next spring's garden with guidance from Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms, from site selection to harvest. Take home a native plant to try!

NYC Mushroom Summit

December 5, 2025
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
New York, NY

The NYC Mushroom Summit, hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program, will convene a regional network of mushroom farmers and educators from indoor, outdoor, and community production systems; restaurateurs, food creatives and chefs; and extension, government and industry representatives. This diverse group will work together to determine grower research and marketing needs, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and community building initiatives. Group conversations and presentations will be structured around value added products, frontiers in mycology research, and peer-to-peer learning.

Pruning & Fruit Tree Health 101

December 13, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cambria Heights, NY

Join us at Cambria Heights Community Garden for a free, hands-on workshop with CCE Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman. Participants will learn about basic tree maintenance and pruning techniques. Proper winter care helps trees conserve energy, prevent damage from cold weather, and prepare for growth in the spring.  

Announcements

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.