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State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Sen. George Borrello, Assemblyman Paul Bologna and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello joined representatives from nonprofit Field & Fork Network at the North Tonawanda City Market recently to discuss the importance of farmers markets, fresh food and the ability to stretch SNAP benefits on locally grown produce.
The Double Up Food Bucks NY program, administered by Field & Fork Network, receives $2 million annually from the New York State budget in addition to federal grants and is designed to help extend SNAP/EBT benefits by matching, dollar-for-dollar, the purchase of healthy, locally grown produce. The nutrition incentive program started in Western New York in 2014 and today is accepted at dozens of Farmer's Markets and grocery stores throughout the region. Borrello and Ortt also visited the Lakewood Farmer's Market.
"National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to recognize the hardworking farmers who feed our communities and the local markets that connect them directly with residents. Our visits to the Lakewood and North Tonawanda farmers markets highlighted the vital role these markets play in supporting small and mid-sized farms, strengthening local economies, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food and reinforcing our regional food supply chain. Programs like Double Up Food Bucks build on that mission by helping families stretch their grocery budgets while supporting New York farmers. These markets are an important part of our agricultural economy, and we must continue working to ensure they remain strong for the next generation," said Borrello, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.