Double Up Food Bucks 2014 Year End Report
Cheryl Bilinski, Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead
Harvest New York

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)
Upcoming Events
How to Grow Edible Mushrooms on Logs
April 12, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Upper Manhattan, NY
Join Cornell's network of Community Mushroom Educators and the NYRP Urban Ag team to learn how to grow Shiitake mushrooms on logs. This hands-on workshop will include plenty of opportunity to practice drilling and filling logs with shiitake mushroom spawn. In addition to experiential learning, we'll explore the benefits of mushroom cultivation and tour the NYRP log yard, discussing best practices for maintaining a successful outdoor mushroom-growing system.NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL. Waitlist registrations being accepted.
Growing Shiitake Mushrooms at Sunset Community Garden
April 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Queens, NY
Shiitake mushrooms and lion's mane mushrooms are delicious and easy to grow. It does take time. Join us at Sunset Community Garden (@sunsetgardenridgewood) where we will use the log inoculation method to grow these edible mushrooms!Compost Café: BioChar
April 16, 2025
12:00 noon EDT
At this virtual event, Karen Guzman, Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist, will discuss biochar in urban agriculture. Hear about the the history of biochar, explore some of its environmental benefits, and learn how this innovative solution can transform urban growing spaces. Learn how biochar can be used to creatively manage organic waste and enhance sustainability in your own community. 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.