Double Up Food Bucks Western NY Report, 2014-2015
Cheryl Bilinski, Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead
Harvest New York
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) uses existing infrastructure -- farmers markets and EBT - the mechanism SNAP recipients use to receive their benefits -- to improve access to and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income individuals and families and grow the local food economy by supporting purchases from local farmers.
In our 2014 pilot season DUFB was administered at 7 area farmers markets, spanning 3 counties. In 2015, the DUFB program expanded to 15 farmers markets, including a mobile market, spanning five counties.
Marketing and outreach are key components of a successful DUFB program. Field & Fork Network provides the farmers markets with hands-on training and a variety of marketing and promotion tools including: flyers & posters, banners, signage for participating vendors.
Community partnerships such as our partnership with EatSmart NY, the SNAP education program for New York State, has proven beneficial in enhancing the program for participants by providing nutrition education, cooking demonstrations and recipes.
For more information on the DUFB results in Buffalo, download the Double Up Food Bucks Western NY Report, 2014-2015 below.
DUFB 2014-2015 Final Report (pdf; 3635KB)
Upcoming Events
2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference
March 21, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rochester, NY
Join us for our annual Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference, a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, horticulture tables and displays, and more!El Camino del Micelio: Cultivo de Hongos en la Primavera
April 4, 2026
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Manhattan, NY
Aprende a cultivar hongos de forma sencilla en tu huerto comunitario esta primavera con los equipos de Cornell Co-op Extension y GreenThumb. En este taller para principiantes y para cualquier persona interesada, Yolanda Gonzalez y Karen Guzman explorar?¡n cómo los hongos pueden apoyar la salud del suelo, cerrar ciclos de nutrientes y ofrecer alimentos nutritivos para tu comunidad. Practicaremos dos técnicas para cultivar setas en bolsas o camas de cultivo con materiales accesibles, y conversaremos sobre cómo integrar el cultivo de hongos en proyectos de huertos comunitarios.Earth Day Garden Workshop
April 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Farmingdale, NY
Celebrate Earth Day and welcome the growing season by learning how to make the most of your space as spring wakes up the garden. Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman for an interactive, hands-on session focused on building strong foundations for a productive year. This workshop will cover the state-wide soil testing program and why soil health is essential for long-term success, along with strategic crop planning techniques that help increase productivity and maximize the space in your garden. Announcements
Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.