For the fifth consecutive year, Field & Fork Network has received funding in the New York State Budget to run Double Up Food Bucks NY (DUFBNY), a program that provides a dollar‑for‑dollar match on SNAP purchases of eligible fresh fruits and vegetables.
The program helps households stretch food budgets while supporting small retailers, local farmers and regional economies.
“For New York farmers and SNAP recipients, the last few years have been extremely difficult to navigate,” said Lisa French, CEO of Field & Fork Network.
“Food costs have gone up more than 30 percent since 2020, with prices expected to skyrocket even more this summer. Meanwhile, turmoil and deep cuts to food security programs at the federal level have made even day‑to‑day survival difficult. New York’s consistent investment in DUFBNY’s proven, innovative model offers a solid foundation on which we can build stronger, healthier communities.”
Since the program began in 2014, DUFBNY has supported more than $8.2 million in fresh produce purchases, generated $12.2 million in economic impact for local communities, and directed $2.3 million toward New York farmers. The program crossed the million‑transaction mark in February 2026. More than half of all program transactions came in 2025 alone, thanks to the largest expansion in program history.
DUFBNY matched $4.2 million in 2025 – a more than 400 percent increase from 2024 – and more than the first 10 years of the program combined. The program now operates at more than 320 locations in 54 counties. In 2026, DUFBNY is projected to match nearly $6 million in SNAP purchases of fresh produce – a potential 50 percent increase over 2025.
“DUFBNY started as a pilot project at seven farmers markets,” French said.
“That we’ve been able to grow into one of the widest‑reaching programs of its kind shows that we’ve built a model that meets New York residents’ urgent need for healthy, affordable food. We hope our partnership with state leaders can help DUFBNY put more New York‑grown produce on New York families’ tables – and more money in farmers’ pockets – in the months and years to come.”
Field & Fork Network thanked Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Senate, and the New York State Assembly for their support. Funding was championed by Senators Michelle Hinchey (D‑Kingston) and George Borrello (R‑Sunset Bay), and Assemblymembers Demond Meeks (Rochester) and Angelo Morinello (Niagara Falls).