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)


Upcoming Events

No upcoming events at this time.

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.

NYS Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment

As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. The New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.