New York's Continued Commitment to Double Up Food Bucks Program for 2027 Budget

New York State's Investment in Healthy Food Access

New York has taken another step towards enhancing food security with the inclusion of funding for the Double Up Food Bucks New York (DUFBNY) program in its FY 2027 budget. This marks the fifth straight year of consistent financial support, enabling the program to continue its mission of providing nutrition incentives to those who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

What is Double Up Food Bucks NY?

The DUFBNY initiative helps low-income families by offering a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP purchases of eligible fresh fruits and vegetables. This innovative approach not only aids families in stretching their food budgets but also supports local farmers and small retailers. The results are evident: since 2014, the program has facilitated over $8.2 million in fresh produce purchases and generated more than $12.2 million in economic impact for communities across New York.

A Lifeline for Families

The ongoing funding comes at a crucial time. With food costs surging over 30% since 2020, families are facing unprecedented challenges. Lisa French, CEO of Field & Fork Network, highlighted the significant struggles of both farmers and SNAP recipients during these turbulent times. "New York's investment in DUFBNY provides a foundation on which we can build stronger, healthier communities," she stated, emphasizing the importance of sustained nutritional support.

Impressive Growth

The DUFBNY program marked a pivotal milestone this past February by surpassing one million transactions, a feat made possible by a record expansion last year. Notably, the program matched $4.2 million in SNAP purchases in 2025 alone— a remarkable growth of over 400% compared to 2024. Projections for 2026 indicate that the program is set to match nearly $6 million in SNAP purchases, a 50% increase over the previous year.

Political Support

Support for the program extends to various lawmakers, with bipartisan backing from New York's Senate and Assembly. Senator Michelle Hinchey emphasized the program's significance, stating, "Double Up Food Bucks NY is a lifeline program that empowers thousands of New Yorkers facing food insecurity… I thank Field & Fork Network for championing this proven model."

Senator George Borrello echoed the sentiments, noting the dual benefits of the program in assisting families dealing with rising grocery costs while providing financial support to local farmers. Assemblymember Demond Meeks remarked on the direct impact on communities in Rochester, stating, "Nobody in our community should be forced to choose between keeping the lights on or buying fresh fruits and vegetables for their family. This funding secured in the state budget is vital."

Looking Ahead

The commitment to the Double Up Food Bucks program not only impacts individual families but also has broader implications for New York's agricultural economy. The initiative seeks to ensure that residents have access to nutritious food while simultaneously bolstering local farmers' livelihoods. As we look towards the future, there is hope that this partnership between the state and the Field & Fork Network will facilitate more New York-grown produce entering households, supporting the fight against food insecurity.

For further information regarding Field & Fork Network, please visit fieldandforknetwork.com, and for details on the Double Up Food Bucks NY program, check doubleupnys.com.