#foodbenefitprograms

[downtoearthmarkets]

As a mission-driven company focused on connecting small-scale farmers and food makers directly to consumers, we make sure that anyone who wants to shop for fresh, locally produced food can do so at our farmers markets. That’s why we participate in a range of programs that make wholesome food more accessible to low-income members of the community. For both current participants and non-participants in these programs, here is a brief “refresher course” and background on them, as well as details about the issuance of 2023 Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons which begins today Thursday, June 1st. SNAP EBT Here in the United States, more than 34 million people are food insecure, with 1 in 8 children experiencing hunger every day. To help address this massive nationwide issue, the Food Stamp Program was created in 1939 by the Roosevelt administration. Today, that program is known as SNAP. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and has become the largest federal nutrition assistance program since its inception. SNAP serves every community in the U.S. and helps millions of Americans buy healthy food each year. With the discontinuation of paper vouchers, SNAP benefits are now issued electronically via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card functions much like a debit or ATM card that directly withdraws funds from the users SNAP account when they purchase food at participating establishments. SNAP EBT is accepted at all Down to Earth Farmers Markets. A purchaser simply brings their card to the manager’s tent to make their withdrawal, then is given $1 and $5 tokens to use for shopping. They will also be given bonus vouchers to be used at the farmers market to increase their buying power. What can I purchase with SNAP EBT in Down to Earth Markets?

Breads and cereals

Fruits, vegetables and herbs

Meats, fish and poultry

Dairy products

Non-alcoholic drinks

Herbs, spices, condiments, oils and vinegars

Prepared food intended to be heated at home

You can also purchase seeds and plants, which produce food for your household to eat

What can’t I purchase with SNAP EBT in Down to Earth Markets?

Liquor or any alcoholic beverages

Soap and personal care products

Herbal or nutritional supplements, including CBD products

Food that will be eaten in the market or packed “to-go”

To learn more about eligibility and/or apply for SNAP benefits in New York State, please visit this link.

FMNP

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) subsidizes fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables for select populations -- specifically those enrolled in WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Seniors (aged 60+), who can get coupons via seniors’ centers. These booklets of five $25 vouchers are good in 2023 starting today, Thursday, June 1st for WIC participants and Saturday, July 1st for Seniors. They expire on November 30th.

The dual purpose of FMNP is to provide economic support to local farmers by expanding their sales at farmers' markets and farm stands, and to foster healthy communities through the consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

To apply for WIC assistance in New York State, please visit this link and to find a list of centers issuing FMNP for Seniors, click here.

To find a full list of New York State farmers markets and details on which food assistance programs they participate in, including FMNP, please visit this link. If you need more information on farmers market locations, call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 or the Senior Hotline at 1-800-342-9871. New York City residents who have questions about the FMNP program can call 311.

Using Food Benefit Programs in Down to Earth Markets

Visit the Market Managers tent for more information about any of the benefit programs we accept and to use your SNAP EBT card to get tokens and bonus vouchers.

When you’re visiting one of our New York City farmers markets …

Our vendors can only accept tokens issued by our market managers, so make sure your tokens say “Down to Earth Markets.”

Matching Health Bucks are distributed to SNAP users to make your dollar go further. Health Bucks are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all farmers markets in New York City.

Health Bucks are available year-round at all the Down to Earth NYC Farmers Markets. Withdraw $2 in SNAP, get $2 in Health Bucks, up to $10 in Health Bucks per day!

Participants should use their Health Bucks right away. Unlike wooden or plastic tokens, Health Bucks expire on December 31, 2023.

Our farms also accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. They expire, so be sure to use yours before the end of November!

When you’re visiting one of our Westchester farmers markets …

Our vendors can only accept tokens issued by our market managers, so make sure your tokens say “Down to Earth Markets.”

Matching FreshConnect Checks are distributed to SNAP users to make your dollar go further. FreshConnect Checks are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase anything that you can purchase with SNAP.

FreshConnect Checks are available year-round at all the Down to Earth Westchester Farmers Markets. (Get $2 in FreshConnect Checks for every $2 in SNAP tokens.)

In addition to the SNAP matching program, veterans are eligible to receive $20 in FreshConnect Checks each year through veterans’ services centers, and in 2023 the number of distribution sites has been expanded. There are no income restrictions, combat service requirements, or length of military service requirements for a Veteran, Servicemember, or eligible family member to receive an allotment of FreshConnect Checks. If you are a veteran, service member, or an immediate family member of a veteran or service member, please call the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services at (888) 838-7697 for more information on how to obtain FreshConnect Checks.

Participants should use their FreshConnect Checks right away. Unlike wooden or plastic tokens, FreshConnect Checks expire on December 31, 2023.

Our farms also accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons. They expire, so be sure to use yours before the end of November!