New York City has a Health Bucks Program: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cdp/cdp_pan_health_bucks.shtml
NYC farmers markets provide an opportunity for residents to buy fresh and affordable produce while supporting regional farmers. Health Bucks, worth $2 each, are developed and distributed by NYC Health Department District Public Health Offices and can be used to purchase fresh fruits & vegetables at participating farmers markets (listed on each Health Buck).
At farmers markets that accept food stamps (Electronic Benefit Cards/EBT), one Health Buck coupon will be given to each customer for every $5 spent using food stamps.
The Health Department encourages all New Yorkers to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve their health and reduce their risk of diabetes, high-blood pressure, and heart disease. Support your local farmers markets and have a happy and healthy summer!
Read the press release:
HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPANDS “HEALTH BUCKS” PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MORE COUPONS FOR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
In addition, the New York City Farm Fresh Initiative is a partnership between Just Food, New York City Coalition Against Hunger, and Hunger Action Network of New York State. Through a grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, the Farm Fresh Initiative makes Community Supported Agriculture accessible to low-income community members. FFI accepts food stamps and offers additional discounts to members using food stamps and/or additional volunteers hours as payment.
There is an emergency food part of this program also. The Local Produce Link is a way to get industrial size CSA shares to emergency food pantries.
The CSAs involved are:
Long Island City CSA
Flatbush Farm Share
West Harlem CSA
More information about the Local Produce Link can be found here:
www.justfood.org/farmers/Pdfs/Farmer%20Application.pdf
www.farmatmillerscrossing.com/docs/producelinkprogram.pdf
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New York City Health Bucks & Farm Fresh Initiative
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Just Food, April 29, 2009
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