Field & Fork Network and GreenStar Food Co+op Launch Double Up Food Bucks New York
Read the Ithaca Times article, “Savings Forecasted to Bloom with Double Up Food Bucks at All GreenStar Locations”
Read the Cortaca Today article, “Increased SNAP benefits to come to Tompkins County through GreenStar”
Field & Fork Network, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening New York’s food system, is pleased to announce the launch of its Double Up Food Bucks NY program at GreenStar locations. GreenStar Co-op is the first grocery retailer in the Finger Lakes to offer the program, which doubles the buying power of SNAP customers. Double Up increases food access by connecting New York farmers, grocers, and residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program helps people using SNAP, purchase more local fresh fruits and vegetables through a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $20 a day, with an emphasis on New York grown produce.
GreenStar members who use SNAP are automatically enrolled to accrue Double Up Food Bucks. Non-members who use SNAP can join the Co-op through GreenStar’s FLOWER program to receive a 13% discount on most Co-op purchases while also earning Double Up Food Bucks.
“We’re proud to provide programs that meet the needs of our community and support our local farms,” GreenStar’s General Manager, Jeff Bessmer said. “GreenStar is the only grocery store in the region that offers an accessibility program like FLOWER, which provided participants with more than $200,000 in grocery savings last year alone. The addition of Double Up Food Bucks will further help community members and support people to purchase more locally grown produce.”
Tompkins County has a food insecurity rate higher than the state average, at 14.3%. That means that approximately 1 in 7 people in the county struggle to put food on the table. DUFBNY aims to alleviate food insecurity and promote healthy eating by doubling the value of SNAP dollars spent at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and other retail outlets. SNAP customers can receive up to $20 in DUFBNY per day to purchase fresh produce, providing them with access to more nutritious food options and supporting local farmers. The program is free to participate in, the money never expires, and can be banked for future purchases.
“My children and I have been consistent GreenStar customers for years,” GreenStar shopper J’avail Haltom said. “In the past, I hesitated to add fruits and vegetables to my cart due to budget constraints. Now, GreenStar and Double Up have made it easier to say yes to more of what’s good!”
Double Up Food Bucks NY has 230+ locations across New York State, it operates in grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and corner stores across 32 counties. This year the program has greatly expanded its reach through strategic partnerships with grocery stores, which means individuals have greater access to the program and Double Up is being distributed in a more equitable way. Partnerships with grocery stores would not be possible without the funding support of the New York State Legislature, and champions like Senator Lea Webb.
“Fresh food access continues to be a significant issue for working families in the Southern Tier. I am thrilled to see Double Up Food Bucks launch at three GreenStar locations in Ithaca,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “This innovative program is a powerful tool in increasing food access for SNAP customers, allowing them to purchase more fresh, healthy produce. I fully support this initiative, as it not only helps to alleviate food insecurity but also promotes better nutrition and supports our local farmers.”
“We are excited to launch Double Up Food Bucks NY at GreenStar Co-op, and expand the program in the Finger Lakes,” said Josh McGuire, Programs Director at Field & Fork Network. “This is the first retail location in the Finger Lakes. Tompkins County is home to so many amazing local farms, yet people struggle to put food on the table. Double Up connects farmers to new customers, increases access to fresh local foods and invests in small businesses. We call it a Win-Win-Win.”
“I am thrilled that our local GreenStar Food Co-op locations are partnering with Field & Fork Network to implement the Double Up Food Bucks NY program in our communities in Tompkins County,” said Assemblymember Anna Kelles. “Despite our region being known for its abundant farmlands and high-quality produce, too many of our residents face food insecurity and struggle to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. This program will allow thousands of low-income SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users to better access and afford fresh, healthy foods at local GreenStar stores by matching their purchases dollar-for-dollar. I am grateful to the Field & Fork Network for their tireless work to make fresh produce and healthy, nutritional foods more accessible to all.”
Dan Klein, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature stated, “I’m proud that the Double Up Food Bucks NY program will be in place at all local GreenStar locations. This program will increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables for Tompkins County community members while supporting New York farmers and small businesses. Kudos to Field & Fork Network, GreenStar, and everyone involved in this program. I hope that more community members will take the opportunity to see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits and learn more about this program.”
Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes stated, “Thank you to GreenStar and the Double Up Food Bucks NY program for bringing this program to life in Tompkins County. It is great to see increased access to healthy food for people in our community. This program aligns with the goals set out in the Tompkins County Food Systems Plan, including reducing food insecurity, and increasing access to programs like SNAP and healthy, nutritious foods. I look forward to our community taking advantage of this amazing new program.”
“There are too many people here in Tompkins County and around the State of New York who are not able to afford the healthy and nutritious foods that are grown right here,” said Neil Lewis, Jr., co-director of the Cornell University Action Research Collaborative—Field & Fork’s research and evaluation partner. “Bringing Double Up to GreenStar will allow us to learn more about effective ways to address this problem locally, and how to use those lessons to address food insecurity around the state.”
Customers interested in enrolling in the program should speak to a cashier at the customer service desk.
For more information about Double Up Food Bucks NY, including a list of participating locations, visit www.doubleupnys.com. GreenStar has locations at 770 Cascadilla Street, 215 N. Cayuga Street, and 307 College Avenue. Learn more at https://greenstar.coop/. Double Up is also available locally at Trumansburg Farmers Market.
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About Field & Fork Network
Field & Fork Network is a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening New York State’s food system. Our mission is to connect communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable and equitable food system. Through pioneering nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks NY, we make it easier for low-income families to access nutritious food while supporting local farmers, boosting the regional economy, and improving public health. To learn more about our initiatives and to support our work please visit our website at: www.fieldandforknetwork.com | Facebook and Instagram @fieldandforknetwork
About GreenStar Co-op
As a community-owned, consumer cooperative, GreenStar Food Co+op has grown from its roots in 1971 as a small bulk grain store to operating three public grocery stores in Ithaca. With the support of more than 13,000 member-owners, GreenStar is known to value local farmers and producers, community, our environment, and social justice. GreenStar’s Cascadilla St. store offers an extensive line of grocery and prepared foods – including self-service and made-to-order options, fresh meat and cheese counter, Forty Weight Coffee Roasters cafe and indoor and outdoor dining areas bringing a vibrant and unique grocery cooperative to the regional community and Ithaca visitors. greenstar.coop/
About Double Up Food Bucks NY
Double Up Food Bucks is a nationwide nutrition incentive model, administered by Field & Fork Network, servicing millions of low-income SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users with a dollar-for-dollar match to increase affordability and access to fresh healthy foods at farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, mobile markets, and grocery stores. In New York State, Double Up has contributed to $10.1 million of healthy food sales to over 100,000 customers, at more than 230 sites spanning 32 counties. To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks and a complete list of participating sites, please visit the program website and social media sites, or call 1-800-682-5016. www.doubleupnys.com