What is the Double Up Food Bucks Program in WNY
Cheryl Bilinski, Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead
Harvest New York
June 19, 2014
In partnership with lead agency, Field and Fork Network, Harvest NY has forged a national partnership with Fair Food Network to pilot their highly successful program, Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), in Western NY farmers markets. Using philanthropic funds and existing infrastructure -- farmers markets and EBT - the mechanism SNAP recipients use to receive their benefits -- DUFB matches SNAP purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets up to $20 per visit, to be used on fresh fruit and vegetables grown in NYS. Double Up Food Bucks operates for 16-18 weeks during the peak harvest season, June - October.
The program aims to meet 3 goals:
1) Improve access to and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income families
2) Grow the local economy by supporting purchases from local farmers
3) Inform public policy so that incentives for purchasing healthy foods are built in as part of government-funded nutrition benefits.
This program began in Michigan and was hugely successful. For more information about the history of the program and its movement in Western New York, visit the Field & Fork Network website.
This program has been made possible through the generous support of the John R. Oishei Foundation, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the First Niagara Foundation and Univera Healthcare.
Upcoming Events
Water Retention & Nutrient Cycling in Urban Gardens
April 26, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Bronx, NY
Join us for this very exciting hands-on workshop! We will be adapting and applying sustainable agricultural methods to our urban garden context. Designed for community gardeners and urban growers, we are focusing on accessible, functional methods that make it easier for us to have bountiful harvests while our climate becomes hotter, drier and more unpredictable.Crafted for all levels of gardeners from beginner to advanced!
Unlocking Opportunities in Farm to School Producer Training
May 5 - May 7, 2025
Monday May 5, 12-1:00pm & Wednesday May 7, 6-7:00pm
Join us for two targeted online trainings designed to help producers, distributors, manufacturers, and growers tap into the school food market and expand their reach. Whether you're just starting or already selling to schools, the Harvest NY Team will guide you through the necessary steps to grow your presence in the school food market. Each training will be tailored to the specific needs of the audience, but anyone is welcome to attend either session based on interests and business goals.
Training Dates & Times
- Monday, May 5th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM - For Value-Added Producers, Distributors, and Manufacturers
- Wednesday, May 7th, 6:00 - 7:00 PM - For Growers, Producers, and Farmers
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 provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.