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Field & Fork Network, has announced the launch of its Double Up Food Bucks NY program at Save-A-Lot located at 2429 Military Road. The Double Up Food Bucks program increases food access by connecting New York farmers, grocers, and residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The program helps SNAP shoppers purchase more local fresh fruits and vegetables through a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5 a day, with an emphasis on New York grown produce. According to a recent 2023 report from the NYS Department of Health, the self-reported food insecurity rate among adults in Niagara County was 18.7%. This is higher compared to another recent report from the Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, where the average annual percentage of NYS households self-reporting sometimes or often without enough to eat was 11.6% in 2023. With Niagara County reporting higher food insecurity levels than the state average, increasing food access and affordability programs such as Double Up Food Bucks NY will help families stretch their dollar further and bring home more healthy and nutritious foods.
“Food insecurity in New York is higher than it was during the pandemic due to inflation, record high food costs, and the elimination of many pandemic era support programs. Double Up Food Bucks helps those using SNAP benefits to stretch their food budget and afford more fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their families said Joshua McGuire, Double Up Food Bucks NY Program Director. Through this new coupon solution, shoppers will match their purchases $1 for $1 and can spend these savings on future purchases.”
How It Works
• When customers buy fresh produce using their SNAP card, they will automatically receive a $1 for $1 match on their purchase, up to $5 dollars per day.
• Coupons will print directly on the receipt and can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Coupons may be saved over multiple purchases to use on future transactions.
“I’m honored to be offering Double Up Food Bucks to my customers,” said Suzanne Schmitz, owner of the Military Road Save-A-Lot. “Fresh produce is one of the things my team and I pride ourselves on offering to the community. So to be able to offer customers the opportunity to get twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables is a great thing all around.”
