Field & Fork Network launches Double Up Food Bucks NY at Save-A-Lot in Niagara Falls

SNAP match program makes fresh food more accessible and affordable for local communities while benefitting NY farmers

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 Save-A-Lot located at 2429 Military Road, Niagara Falls.

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 state 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 state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, where the average annual percentage of state 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 Niagara Falls 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.”

Save-A-Lot is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. To learn more, visit https://savealot.com/stores/21666?utm_campaign=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google.

Field & Fork Network is a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening New York state’s food system. Its mission is to connect communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable and equitable food system. To learn more about its initiatives or to support its work, visit www.fieldandforknetwork.com, or on Facebook and Instagram (@fieldandforknetwork).

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.

Visit www.doubleupnys.com.