Double Up Food Bucks NY Celebrates Over One Million Transactions to Promote Healthy Eating

Double Up Food Bucks NY Milestone

In a significant achievement, the Double Up Food Bucks NY (DUFBNY) initiative has crossed the remarkable threshold of one million transactions since its inception in 2014. This milestone reflects an increasing need for food assistance programs throughout New York State and demonstrates the program's growing impact on the lives of low-income families dealing with food hardship.

Launched by the Field & Fork Network, DUFBNY was introduced to improve access to fresh produce. The program operates through a simple yet powerful incentive: for every dollar spent on eligible fresh fruits and vegetables using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, participants receive an automatic match of equal value up to $20 per day in grocery stores and up to $50 per day directly from farmers.

Expanding for Greater Access

Initially starting as a pilot program at just seven farmers' markets, DUFBNY has grown to encompass over 320 retail locations across 53 of the 57 counties outside New York City. As of the latest reports, over 590,000 households are relying on SNAP benefits in these areas, which translates to nearly 1.1 million people in need of nutritional support. Given that food prices have surged nearly 30% since February 2020, the timing of DUFBNY's expansion could not be more critical.

In 2025 alone, DUFBNY recorded over 500,000 transactions, illustrating that the program is meeting the rising demand for affordable access to healthy food options. This success is attributed to a decade-long investment in creating the necessary infrastructure for delivering nutrition incentives effectively across diverse retail settings. Currently, DUFBNY utilizes five distinct point-of-sale methods, which include an integration with automated grocery coupon systems. This model makes it easy for eligible shoppers to reclaim their incentives seamlessly at the checkout.

Community Impact and Economic Growth

Lisa French, CEO of Field & Fork Network, emphasized the significance of these milestones, stating, "Surpassing one million Double Up Food Bucks NY transactions proves that nutrition incentives work best when they are made available where SNAP families already shop." The growth of this program highlights not only the immediate benefits of food access but also its transitional effects on small retailers and local farmers, bolstering the economy in communities that participate.

Since its launch, DUFBNY has facilitated more than $8.2 million in fresh produce purchases, yielding an impressive economic impact of $12.2 million for local communities and directing $2.3 million back to New York farmers. These figures illustrate the dual benefit of improving food security while simultaneously supporting local agribusiness.

Looking Ahead

As the landscape of food assistance continuously faces new challenges, the future of DUFBNY appears promising. The commitment to fine-tuning the program and adapting to the needs of the communities it serves underscores a proactive approach in addressing nutrition challenges head-on. With ongoing efforts to simplify access to fresh produce, Field & Fork Network is positioned to expand its reach even further, potentially benefiting thousands more families across New York State.

For more information on the Double Up Food Bucks NY initiative, visit www.DoubleUpNYS.com. With continuous support and community engagement, the path forward looks bright for families seeking healthier food options and improved economic well-being.

About Field & Fork Network
Field & Fork Network is a leading nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY, dedicated to enhancing food access across New York State. Its initiatives foster sustainable community solutions to tackle food security issues and the adverse effects of diet-related illnesses. Field & Fork Network proudly serves as the statewide administrator for the Double Up Food Bucks NY program, a crucial resource for families utilizing SNAP benefits. For further details, visit www.FieldAndForkNetwork.com.