Tops expands access to affordable fresh local produce thanks to partnership with Field & Fork Network

Tops Friendly Markets Press Release

Tops Friendly Markets, along with partners Field & Fork Network, is proud to announce the expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks NY program to local communities throughout Western New York. DUFB, which makes fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable, is now available at 10 additional Tops locations:

•Niagara Falls: 7200 Niagara Falls Blvd., and 4235 Military Road

•Buffalo: 425 Niagara St., 1989 Seneca St., 345 Amherst St., 1460 South Park Ave., and 2101 Elmwood Ave.

•Cheektowaga: Thruway Mall, 700 Thruway Plaza Drive

•West Seneca: 800 Harlem Road

•Arcade: 658 W. Main St.

This comes on the heels of the announcement of the program’s successful launch in the Syracuse region and at more stores in Jamestown, Frewsburg and Falconer.

DUFB will provide Tops SNAP customers with a $1 for $1 match on fresh produce purchases – up to $20 per day. This is a significant increase from the previous $5 amount the program initially covered. Not only will the $20 per day match be announced as part of the launch in the Syracuse and Jamestown locations, but also implemented at the two Western New York locations (1275 Jefferson Ave., and 1000 Portage Road) which launched the program in 2023.

"We are thrilled to announce that Double Up Food Bucks NY at Tops Friendly Markets is increasing its daily cap from $5 to $20, making it easier for families to access healthy, locally grown produce,” said Lisa French, co-founder and CEO of Field & Fork Network. “This regional expansion, coupled with the quadrupling of shoppers’ purchasing power, will enable more individuals to stretch their food budgets while supporting local farmers and fostering healthier communities across New York."

Tops Friendly Markets is the largest grocery store chain to participate in the DUFB program to date. The first two Tops locations to offer DUFB in Western New York have seen remarkable redemption rates of as high as 40%, which is five to six times higher than the typical rate for most other retail coupons.

“The Double Up Food Bucks program perfectly aligns with Tops’ mission of addressing the fundamental needs of the community in order to help eradicate hunger and enhance the health and well-being of families and children,” said Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral for Northeast Shared Services, Northeast Grocery Inc. (parent company of Tops), shared services group. “What better way to provide for our community than ensuring that community members have an easier way to affordably access fresh fruits and vegetables all while being rewarded for their healthier habits.”

How the DUFB program works

SNAP recipients simply shop for fresh produce at the participating Tops locations. When they use their EBT card to pay for eligible produce items, the DUFB program automatically matches their purchase dollar-for-dollar, now up to $20.

A coupon is printed at check-out and can be used on a future visit, encouraging repeated engagement with the program.

No registration or additional steps are necessary, making the process seamless and removing any potential barriers to participation.

Food insecurity has been an ongoing challenge faced by many communities, including those in Jamestown and the surrounding communities. The lack of access to fresh, nutritious food options has adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of individuals and families. The DUFB program seeks to address this issue by empowering SNAP recipients to purchase more fruits and vegetables without straining their budgets.

Catalina Chief Revenue Officer Wes Bean added, “As value-conscious shoppers continue to grapple with high prices on many essential items, we are passionate about helping our partners at Tops Friendly Markets and the Double Up Food Bucks NY program alleviate food insecurity in the communities they serve by leveraging our technology to deliver incentives that enable shoppers to take home twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables.”

DUFB is a statewide program administered by Field & Fork Network, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases, up to $20 per day and can be used to purchase local fresh fruits and vegetables. The program is a free resource for anyone receiving SNAP benefits, which increases purchasing power by doubling their benefits. DUFB has contributed over $10 million in healthy food sales with $2.6 million going directly to New York farmers. The program is available at over 230 locations, across 36 counties, and has served over 100,000 SNAP shoppers. For more information, visit www.doubleupnys.com or connect at @DoubleUpNYS.

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.