We know that it can be expensive to purchase high quality local foods. Fortunately, there are many programs that can make eating locally affordable for people from all walks of life. This blog post outlines some of the resources that are available to help make food access more equitable. While some of the programs we mention here may exist on the national level, we have chosen to focus on those that are offered in New York, as that is where our farm is located. We participate in all of the programs that are discussed below:
FreshConnect for Veterans & Families
What does this program provide? A booklet of coupons that can be used to purchase any SNAP eligible food items at farmers’ markets.
Who is eligible? Active duty military personnel, veterans, and immediate family members of veterans.
For more information visit: https://veterans.ny.gov/freshconnect-checks-veterans-and-families
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
What does this program provide? A booklet of coupons that can be used to purchase produce at farmers’ markets and farmstands.
Who is eligible? People who are 60+ years old and meet the income guidelines (>$3,151.17/month for a two person household as of the time of writing).
For more information visit: https://www.human.cornell.edu/dns/fmnp
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
What does this program provide? A booklet of coupons that can be used to purchase produce at farmers’ markets and farmstands.
Who is eligible? Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program participants.
For more information visit: https://www.human.cornell.edu/dns/fmnp
SNAP
What does this program provide? Electronic benefits that can be used to purchase most food items at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, farmstands, etc.
Who is eligible? People who meet the income guidelines (>$3,750.00/month for a four person household as of the time of writing).
For more information visit: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap
Double Up Food Bucks
What does this program provide? Matching funds up to $20.00/day that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
Who is eligible? SNAP participants.
For more information visit: https://doubleupnys.com/
Power of Produce Club
What does this program provide? $5.00/week for children to buy fruits and vegetables of their choosing at farmers’ markets.
Who is eligible? Children aged 4 to 10.
For more information visit: https://adirondackharvest.com/power-of-produce-club-at-saranac-lake-and-elizabethtown-markets-this-summer/
Fair Food Program
What does this program provide? Pre-paid credit cards that can be used to buy food directly from participating farmers.
Who is eligible? People who meet the income guidelines (>$5,360.83/month for a four person household as of the time of writing).
For more information visit: https://www.adkaction.org/project/fair-food-program/
Are there any other programs that you’d like to see our farm participate in? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post, or by contacting us privately. We are always looking for ways to make local food more accessible for everyone in our community!