GHENT — State Sen. Michelle Hinchey and the Field and Fork Network at the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store announced $2 million in state funding to support the expansion of Double Up Food Bucks NY, a program that has contributed over $10 million in New York-grown produce sold with $2.7 million going to New York farmers.
The program doubles the value of federal nutrition benefits spent at participating markets and grocery stores, helping customers bring home healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.
The state investment of $2 million allows the program to expand into more year-round sites such as farmers markets. The program is aimed at independent grocers and small stores. Representatives from the program will speak with chain grocery stores in the area in hopes of expanding the program.
“I think that we believe in one fundamental piece, and that is, it shouldn’t depend on your income,” Hinchey said. “If you can eat nutritious, healthy, point-blank food, it doesn’t matter what your income status is or what you’re going through in life, you should be able to eat and have access to healthy food. “Here in Columbia County, we are rich in delicious farm-fresh food, we see gorgeous farms and yet we have people who are still living in food poverty.”
Hinchey plans to continue the fight against food insecurity.
“Growing this program by $2 million is a starting point,” she said. “We can see that every single dollar spent on programs like this goes to good use, so we should put more funding into programs like this and, broadly, we put a lot of programs that support local farmers and make sure that they stay in business . Seeing the consolidation of our food supply system is detrimental. A robust and strong food supply is crucial to ensuring that food stays local and is accessible to everyone. The number of programs that we have funded to help with succession planning for older farmers so they can go in and find new farmers, folks who often have a hard time finding capital and access to land, has been a big focus for us.”
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-106, said the program is a victory for all New Yorkers.
“The Double Up Food Bucks Program is a win-win for New York State, feeding our families healthy food while supporting local farms and independent grocery stores,” Barrett said. “Small and mid-sized farms are the backbone of our communities in the Hudson Valley, and this expanding program has helped connect more families with fresh, nutritious produce from local producers like Hawthorne Valley Farm. I was proud to fight for funding for this program in the state budget with Sen. Hinchey, and thank you to the Field and Fork Network for their leadership.”
Field and Fork Network co-founder and CEO Lisa French praised the work being done to combat food insecurity.
“We’re here to celebrate a whole host of new sites, such as the Hawthorne Valley Store, that will allow the residents of Columbia County to be able to shop for more affordable produce,” French said. “We’re very happy to receive this state funding. Access to more affordable fresh foods has not gone away. It has gotten greater since the pandemic and the inflation of food costs. We feel that this money is needed and we’re grateful for the support from the state.”
Anyone eligible to receive SNAP benefits is eligible to receive the Double Up Food Bucks incentive, French said.
“We match dollar-for-dollar up to $20 dollars per day,” she said. “It allows people who are on a restrictive food budget to stretch their food dollars. This can only be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, which at times can be the most expensive items in grocery stores. We’re hoping the program becomes more accessible for folks.”
Double Up Foods Bucks Program Manager Jake Kowal said the $2 million investment from the state will greatly benefit people in the area.
“We are a nutritional center program,” he said. “We match SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. This will help folks bring home more produce and healthier food for their families.”
Selha Graham, co-founder and head buyer of Rolling Grocer 19, said the program will return dignity to homes.
“It gives people a reason to say, I can shop for both meat and produce,” Graham said. “Why should you have to choose? The body needs both. We thank Double Up for all they have done for Columbia County and for Rolling Grocer 19, and all of our community members.”
Hawthorne Director of Retain Jeremy Lagrange addressed the need for programs such as Double Up.
“With the rising cost of food, we recognize that it is more important than ever that people continue to have access to quality produce for their families,” Lagrange said. “We’re thrilled to partner with Double Up Food Bucks to help families bridge the gap of affordability when it comes to fresh, healthy foods.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
