New York State Bolsters Nutrition Incentives for SNAP Beneficiaries to Enhance Food Access

New York State Enhances Nutrition Incentives for SNAP Users

In a significant move to tackle food insecurity, the State of New York has renewed its commitment to the 'Double Up Food Bucks NY' (DUFBNY) program, which aims to boost healthy food access for low-income residents. This initiative is spearheaded by the Field & Fork Network, a Buffalo-based nonprofit dedicated to improving food accessibility for underserved communities. A recent allocation of $2 million from the 2026 New York State Budget marks the fourth consecutive year of state support for this vital program, unlocking an additional $2 million in federal funding from the USDA's Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) for a total of $4 million.

The DUFBNY program provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with dollar-for-dollar matching on their purchases of fresh produce at participating locations. This incentive allows SNAP users to receive up to $20 a day in grocery stores and $50 daily at farmers' markets, significantly enhancing their ability to afford healthier food options. With nearly three million New Yorkers currently receiving SNAP benefits and food prices rising considerably, the usage of DUFBNY has seen an astonishing increase of 256% compared to last year.

Field & Fork Network's CEO, Lisa French, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the program, stating, "Double Up Food Bucks NY is more than just a nutrition incentive scheme; it's a strategy that fosters food security, enriches community economies, and supports farmers throughout New York State. This sustained investment reflects the commitment of our leaders to ensure that all New Yorkers, irrespective of their income, have access to fresh, nutritious food."

A statement from Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, reinforced the impact of the DUFBNY program, noting its effectiveness in providing thousands of SNAP recipients the opportunity to purchase more healthy produce. The program, which began in 2014 at just seven farmers markets, has expanded to over 320 participating sites across 53 of New York’s 57 counties, reaching 85% of the state. This significant growth illustrates the project's nationwide relevance and commitment to addressing food disparities.

Analyses predict that DUFBNY will match approximately $4.2 million in SNAP purchases of fresh produce in 2025, marking a record for the initiative in its 11-year history. Additionally, the economic impact of DUFBNY is substantial, having generated roughly $1.9 million from January to June 2025, with expectations for this number to rise following a significant expansion of the program in July. By partnering with Northeast Grocery, Inc., DUFBNY has successfully introduced its benefits to 16 previously unserved counties, thereby increasing its reach to over 107,000 more SNAP users.

The program's continued success is due, in large part, to bipartisan support from state lawmakers, including Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Demond Meeks, who have championed its expansion. Senator Hinchey commented on the initiative's importance in helping New Yorkers gain access to affordable fresh produce.

“With DUFBNY, we’re not just improving nutrition; we’re also supporting local farmers and addressing the critical issue of food insecurity,” he stated.

As the program gears up for further developments in 2026, it plans to extend its reach in areas with high SNAP participation rates. This extension will be supported by outreach initiatives aimed at informing local communities about how to utilize the program effectively.

Field & Fork Network expresses its gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul and the bipartisan legislative support for reinforcing the importance of food security initiatives in New York. It’s clear that both legislators and advocates are committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has the ability to access healthy and affordable food options.

For more details, visit Field & Fork Network and Double Up NYS.