Your locally grown Christmas trees, wreaths, and boughs will stay fresher longer and smell incredible. Greenmarkets where you can stock up on holiday greens:

A'moon Farm: Wreaths, Bouquets, Garlands, Princess Pines, White Pines, Cedar Pines, Mountain Laurels, Boxwood, Juniper, and Rosehips (Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Tompkins Square Greenmarket Sundays)
Down Home Acres: Wreaths (97th Street Greenmarket Fridays, 77th Street Greenmarket Sundays, Columbia University Greenmarket Sundays)
Durr Wholesale: Wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets (Union Square Greenmarket Saturdays) 
Fantastic Gardens: Potted evergreens, poinsettias, amaryllis (Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
Green Life Farm: Wreaths (77th Street Greenmarket Sundays)
Luna Family Farm: Wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets (Columbia University Greenmarket Thursdays; Stuyvesant Town Greenmarket Sundays; Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
Moonshot Farm: Wreaths and potted plants -  amaryllis, paperwhites, evergreen bundles, bouquets and centerpieces (Union Square Greenmarket Fridays and Army Plaza Greenmarkets Saturdays)
Newgate Farms: Wreaths (Cortelyou Greenmarket Sundays, Columbia Greenmarket Thursdays)
Pe-tal Plants: Potted evergreens, poinsettias, and amaryllis (Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
Phillips Farm: Eucalyptus Wreaths (Union Square Saturdays, Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket Saturdays, Jackson Heights Greenmarket Sundays)
Rabbits Run Farm: Wreaths and potted plants (St. George Greenmarket Saturdays) 
Rancho Hermanos Luna: Wreaths, centerpieces, and evergreen decor (Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Tucker Square Greenmarket Thursdays, and Abingdon Square Greenmarket Saturdays)
Rexcroft Farm: Wreaths, Dried flower bouquets (Fort Greene Greenmarket Saturdays) 
River Garden: Dried flower wreaths (Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)
Stokes Farm: Herb wreaths (Tucker Square Greenmarket Thursdays and Saturdays; Union Square Greenmarket Saturdays)
Van Houten Farms: Trees, wreaths, and garland (Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)

Holiday gift shopping for the Greenmarket lover is made easy with this list of popular holiday gifts from Greenmarket producers. 

GREENMARKET GIFTS
Greenmarket Merch: Tote bags (many farmers also tell totes!), reusable produce bags, 2025 calendar designed by Aly Miller Illustrations 
Greenmarket Tokens: Wooden tokens can be purchased in $5 increments at the information tent at any Greenmarket using a credit or debit card. Tokens can be used like money at most vendors. 

SELF CARE
Soaps 
Sachets, Salves, Lip Balms, Lotions, and Body Oils
Beeswax Candles 
Wool Apparel, Yarn, Hats, Scarves
Herbal Tinctures, Teas, and Tisanes 

DECOR
Wreaths
Decorative Garlic Braids 
Poinsettias, Paper Whites, and Orchids
Succulent & Cactus 
Farmstead Wool Blankets and Wall Hangings 

TO DRINK
Hard Cider
Wine
Egg Nog
Spirits: Gin, Corn Whiskey, Vodka, Unaged Single Malt Whiskey
Bitters

TO EAT
Jams and Preserves
Farmstead Cheeses
Honey 
Herb Wreaths 
Cookies, Pies and Baked Goods
Maple Syrup, Maple Cotton Candy & Maple Candies
Popcorn
Chicken Liver Bourbon Pâté 
Soppressata and Cured Chorizo
Duck Salami and Prosciutto 
Bison Jerky 
Dried & Smoked Chiles & Powdered Spices 

Please note, not all of these items are sold at every market location so check the producer line-up to see what products are available at your local Greenmarket.

 

*Please Note: Health Bucks expire on December, 31 2024

 

As Summer EBT Benefits Begin to Expire, Here's How They Can Support Your Family

As New York families gear up for the winter season, many may be unaware that their Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits are set to expire soon. These benefits play a critical role in helping families keep their children well-nourished during the summer months when free or reduced-price school meals are unavailable. For many, Summer EBT is a lifeline that bridges the gap between the school years.

Reminder: Benefits Begin to Expire Soon!

If you received Summer EBT benefits this year, it’s important to know that the first round of benefits is set to expire on November 28th. Your benefit expiration date is based on the specific date your child’s benefits were issued. Be sure to use the remaining funds before they disappear! Benefits do not roll over into the next year, so don't miss out on the assistance available to you.

 

How to Check Your Benefits 

1. Check Your Benefits Expiration Date: Summer EBT benefits will remain available up to 122 days after they were issued. All unused benefits are removed from the card after this time. Be sure to check when your benefits expire by creating an online account at ebtEDGE.com.
2. Check Your Balance: You can check your EBT balance by:
   • Visiting ebtEDGE online portal and creating an account at: ebtEDGE.com
   • Calling the EBT Customer Service Center at 1-888-328-6399
3. Using Your Benefits: You can use your Summer EBT card at most grocery stores and SNAP-participating retailers, just as you would with any regular SNAP EBT card. You can locate a store nearby by using this retail locator.
4. Card Replacement Requests and PIN Activation: To request a replacement card, call the EBT customer service center at 1-888-328-6399 and follow these instructions. To select a PIN and activate your Summer EBT card, call the EBT customer service center at 1-888-328-6399 and follow these steps. 
5. Address Changes: Your child's Summer EBT benefit card was mailed to the most recent address provided by your child's school. If you did not receive the card, please call the Summer EBT Customer Service line at 1-833-452-0096 to update your information and have a replacement Summer EBT benefit card mailed to you.

 

Why Summer EBT is Vital for New York Families

Summer EBT ensures that eligible families can afford nutritious food while school is out. This program provides $120 per child to eligible families in New York to be used at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other food retailers, allowing families to purchase essential food items. With food insecurity affecting 1 in 5 kids across New York State, Summer EBT reduces the risk of hunger for those who depend on school meals as a primary source of nutrition.

 

What Can You Buy with Summer EBT?

Summer EBT benefits allow families to purchase a variety of food items to help ensure children get the nutrition they need. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Dairy products
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Non-perishable foods such as canned goods and pasta

 

Don’t Miss Out on This Support!

Make sure you use your Summer EBT benefits before they begin to expire starting November 28th. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on healthy and nutritious foods for your family. Stay connected with us for more resources and updates on how to make the most of your benefits! Check your benefit expiration date and balance here: ebtEDGE.com

 

Thanksgiving 2024 is right around the corner and markets are abundant with all of the ingredients you need for a delicious meal. We will have some schedule changes to accommodate shopping schedules, see below.

*Market days with an asterisk mean it's a special market, rescheduled to Tuesday or Wednesday, normally held on a Thursday or Friday, so that customers have an opportunity to shop for Thanksgiving ingredients. 

And don't forget the turkey!

Monday, November 25:
Union Square, MHTN, open 8am-6pm 

Tuesday, November 26:
Astor Place Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-5pm Last day for the season
Bowling Green Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3:30pm
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket, BK, open 8am-3pm 
Bronx Borough Hall Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-4pm Last day for the season
*Columbia University Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm
Elmhurst Hospital Greenmarket, QNS, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
Fort Washington Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm Last day for the season
Lincoln Hospital Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
Poe Park Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
*Union Sq Greenmarket (Friday producers), MHTN, open 8am-6pm (LESEC will be collecting food scraps)

Wednesday, November 27: 
*97th Street Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-2pm
Bartel-Pritchard Greenmarket, BK, open 8am-2pm
*Bowling Green Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3:30pm Last day for the season
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3pm
Eastchester Farmstand, BX, open 9:30am-2:30pm Last day for the season
Flushing Greenmarket, QNS, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
Morris Heights Farmstand, BX, open 9:30am-2:30pm Last day for the season
Morrisania Farmstand, BX, open 10am-2pm Last day for the season
Mount Sinai Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
*Parkchester Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
Tribeca Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3:30pm Last day for the season (Wednesdays only, open year-round on Saturdays)
*Tucker Square Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm
Union Square Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-6pm
Uptown Grand Central Farmstand, MHTN, open 1:30pm-7pm
Woodhull Farmstand, BK, open 9am-2pm Last day for the season

Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29: 
All Greenmarkets and Farmstand locations closed. 
**The Union Square Friday Greenmarket is closed, but Lower East Side Ecology Center will be collecting food scraps at Park and 17th Street. 

Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1
All GrowNYC Greenmarket locations OPEN on regular schedule. Please check individual market webpages for farmer attendance.
All GrowNYC Farmstand locations CLOSED

🌟 GrowNYC Greenmarket Customers, We Want to Hear from You! 🌟

Help us improve your market experience by sharing your thoughts in our customer survey. Your feedback and experience matters to us!

Greenmarket Survey

As a thank you, anyone who completes the survey in full will be entered to win a raffle prize of $20 in Greenmarket Bucks, which can be used freely at any Greenmarket. 

Take a few moments to fill it out—your voice makes a difference!

Deadline: Friday, November 29

 

 

Thanksgiving 2024 is just around the corner—November 28th, to be exact—and turkey orders are already filling fast! Find out below what local farms are bringing pasture-raised Thanksgiving turkeys to your neighborhood Greenmarket.

You can also find the freshest side dish ingredients such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, fennel, winter squash, potatoes, apples, pears, herbs, honey, maple syrup, pre-made pies, butter, and cream. In addition to those items, don't forget we have spirits and hard cider made from 100% locally-grown ingredients. As well as pickles and condiments for your leftover turkey sandwiches, and much more. 

Abundance Acres Farm
Breed: Pasture-raised Sonoma Valley Classics
Where and how to order:  Sunnyside Greenmarket Saturdays, Tribeca Greenmarket Saturdays, Cortelyou Greenmarket Sundays, Jackson Heights Greenmarket Sundays or contact info@abundanceacresfarm.com. Pre-order is required.
Where and when to pick up: Sunnyside Greenmarket Saturday 11/23, Tribeca Saturday 11/23, Cortelyou Greenmarket Sunday 11/24, or Jackson Heights Greenmarket Sunday 11/24. Orders are delivered fresh. 
www.abundanceacresfarm.com

Dipaola Turkey
Breed: Broad Breasted White (parts and sausage also available)
Where to order: Online at www.dipaolaturkeyfarm.com/thanksgiving/
Where to pick up: 

79th Street Sunday, 11/24 97th Street Wednesday, 11/27 † Brooklyn Borough Hall Saturday, 11/23 Carroll Gardens Sunday, 11/24 Columbia Sunday, 11/24 Cortelyou Sunday, 11/24 Forest Hills Sunday, 11/24 Fort Greene Saturday, 11/23

Grand Army Plaza Saturday, 11/23  Greenpoint Saturday, 11/23 Inwood Saturday, 11/23 Jackson Heights Sunday, 11/24 Tribeca Saturday, 11/23 Union Square Wednesday, 11/27

† Market open Wednesday before Thanksgiving for pick-ups.

Halal Pastures Farm
Breeds: Broad Breasted White, Halal and Certified Organic (raised at Fisher Boy Farm in Middleburg, PA) 
Where and how to order: 92^nd Street Greenmarket Sundays, Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket Tuesdays or order online at www.halalpastures.com/turkey/
Where and when to pick up: 92nd Street Greenmarket Sunday 11/24, Brooklyn Borough Hall Tuesday 11/26
halalpastures.com/turkey/

Ox Hollow Farm
Breeds: Mini Classic Turkeys
Where and how to order: Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Inwood Greenmarket Saturdays, Union Square Greenmarket Saturdays, 79th Street Greenmarket Sundays, or Stuyvesant Town Greenmarket Sundays or order online at www.oxhollowfarm.com
Where and when to pick up: Inwood Greenmarket Saturday 11/23, Union Square Greenmarket Saturday 11/23, 79th Street Greenmarket Sunday 11/24, or Stuyvesant Town Greenmarket Sunday 11/24, or Union Square Greenmarket Monday 11/25, 
www.oxhollowfarm.com

Ramble Creek Farm
Breeds: Broad Breasted White 
Where and how to order: Union Square Greenmarket Fridays; 97th Street Greenmarket Fridays, or call to order at 518-769-0897 or order online at www.ramblecreekfarm.com  
Where and when to pick up: Union Square Greenmarket Tuesday 11/26 or 97th Street Greenmarket Wednesday 11/27
www.ramblecreekfarm.com

Quattros Game Farm
Breeds: New Holland White, Bourbon Red (Heritage breed), and "Wild" 
Where and how to order: Union Square Greenmarket Saturdays, or call the farm store at 845.635.2018
Where and when to pick up: Union Square Greenmarket Saturday 11/23 or Wednesday 11/27
www.quattros.net

Tenfold Farm
Breed: Broad Breasted White
Where and how to order: Email info@tenfoldfarmny.com
Where and when to pick up: 11/26 and 11/27 at the Tenfold Farm in Delhi, NY
www.tenfoldfarmny.com 

Violet Hill Farm
Breed: Broad Breasted White
Where and how to order: Union Square Greenmarket Saturdays, McCarren Park/Greenpoint Saturdays or order online at www.violethillfarm.com 
Where and when to pick up: Union Square Greenmarket or McCarren Park/Greenpoint Greenmarket Saturday 11/23, or Union Square Greenmarket Wednesday 11/27
www.violethillfarm.com 

Greenmarket is partnering with City Harvest and other local food rescue organizations to help feed New York City's hungry residents this Thanksgiving. 

At the markets listed below, buy an extra bag of fresh produce while you shop and donate it at the Market Information tent. 

Saturday, November 16
City Harvest
Union Square Greenmarket

Saturday, November 16
City Harvest
Grand Army Plaza

Wednesday, November 20
City Harvest
Union Square Greenmarket

Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of fall at the Union Square Greenmarket! This season, immerse yourself in a bounty of fresh, locally-grown produce that’s perfect for your autumn recipes. But that’s not all—join us for a series of exciting special events that celebrate the best of the season, from weekly book signings with famous chefs and authors to celebrations of regional fiber, cider, and fermentation. 
 

Union Square Greenmarket Cider Village
Friday, October 11 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)
Join us for the 4th Annual Union Square Greenmarket Cider Village.

• Meet cideries from across New York State, sample their hard ciders, and learn about the techniques that go into perfecting each bottle.
• Check out the Hudson Valley Apple Project's apple varietal display with over 55 rare, unique, and historical apples.
• Apple pressing! Apple cider demos! Apple crafts! And more!
   

Union Square Greenmarket Fermentation Fest
Friday, October 18 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)

Come explore the wide, wonderful, and fantastic world of fermentation at the Union Square Greenmarket’s inaugural Fermentation Fest! The festival brings together Greenmarket farmers, chefs, scientists, and artists who all harness the ancient art of fermentation in their work. Learn the ins and outs of fermentation through demos and tastings from chefs who shop at the market, purchase ready-made fermented products from our farmers who utilize fermentation to preserve their harvests, and peruse a pop-up fermentation bookshop, hosted by Greenpoint book store Archestratus, for all the inspiration and recipes you need to make your own ferments at home, and more!
 

Union Square Greenmarket Book Signings
Full schedule here
 

PAST EVENTS

FLOCK: A Celebration of Regional Fiber
GrowNYC + New York Fibershed
Friday, September 13 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)

Join GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket, the New York Fibershed, and local fiber producers to celebrate regional, regenerative textile production that’s happening right here in NY! There will be locally sourced and produced textile products, fibers and yarns available at the market as well as interactive demonstrations by local artisans. 

• Meet the New York farmers and producers working hard to make sustainable products.
• Engage in the process of transforming fibers from raw fleece to finished woven fabric.
• Learn how you can integrate local fiber into your life while helping to build community.
• ​Support NY textile artisans 

New York Fibershed unites urban and rural land stewards who are engaged in cultivating fiber and natural dyes to the citizens who call this city their home. Our goal is to build a welcoming and accessible network that fosters community and craftsmanship at the local level. Our Fibershed strives to create a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future while engaging in advocacy, learning, and collaborative opportunities.

The New York Textile Lab and the Carbon Farm Network are both central projects and partners of the New York Fibershed. The land, farmers, processors, and designers behind this initiative are committed to creating a "‘Soil-to-Soil’ textile system.

Learn more at newyorkfibershed.org and newyorktextilelab.com

Spend your Summer EBT at GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand locations! 🍅🍉

Beginning in July 2024, New York State (NYS) will launch Summer EBT, a new program that provides low-income families with food benefits to help buy groceries during the summer when school children might not have access to school meals.

Can you use your Summer EBT benefits at GrowNYC Greenmarkets or Farmstand locations?

YES! Summer EBT benefits can be used just like SNAP benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers. Eligible families can use  Summer EBT at their neighborhood GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand locations. What’s more, you can double your money! Spend $2 in SNAP-EBT and Summer EBT, get a bonus $2 Health Buck to spend on fruits and vegetables, up to $10 per day.

Who is eligible to receive this benefit? 

Families currently receiving SNAP will automatically be enrolled in the Summer EBT program. The majority of recipients will be auto-enrolled based on their SNAP and free meal eligibility. For families not auto-enrolled but with qualifying children, a letter with instructions on how to receive benefits will be sent directly to them.

What if you do not receive a letter but think your child/student qualifies?

Some students who are not automatically eligible may be able to receive Summer EBT food benefits by completing an application. Please note that in order to be eligible to apply through this application, the student must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), AND the household's income must be at or below the limits for eligibility for free/reduced-price school meals.

Families will only need to complete one application for all students in the household, which a parent or guardian should complete. 

How much of the benefit will be distributed? 

In 2024, each eligible child will receive $120 in Summer EBT food benefits over a three-month period. There is a 122-day window to utilize all Summer EBT benefits. All unused benefits are removed from the card after this time. Be sure to use your benefits as soon as possible after you receive them.

Where will the benefit be sent to? 

All Summer EBT funds will be put onto the previously issued Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) card unless a new card is requested through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website. You can request a new card through the OTDA website, which is also the place to go if you need to replace a lost or stolen card. Families that have not previously received P-EBT can also request newly issued cards through this site.

When will I receive my Summer EBT?

The first of the Summer EBT food benefits are expected to be issued beginning in mid-July 2024 and will continue through October 2024.

For more information, including determining eligibility or requesting a replacement P-EBT card, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/. 

_______________________

¡Gasta tu EBT de verano en las tiendas GrowNYC Greenmarket y Farmstand! 🍅🍉

A partir de julio de 2024, el Estado de Nueva York (NYS) lanzará Summer EBT, un nuevo programa que proporciona a las familias de bajos ingresos beneficios alimentarios para ayudar a comprar comestibles durante el verano, cuando los niños en edad escolar podrían no tener acceso a las comidas escolares.

¿Puede utilizar sus beneficios de EBT de verano en GrowNYC Greenmarkets o Farmstand?

¡SÍ! Los beneficios EBT de verano se pueden utilizar igual que los beneficios SNAP para comprar alimentos en tiendas de comestibles, mercados de agricultores y otros minoristas autorizados por SNAP. Las familias elegibles pueden usar la EBT de verano en los mercados GrowNYC Greenmarket y Farmstand de su vecindario. Además, ¡puede duplicar su dinero! Si gasta $2 en SNAP-EBT y EBT de verano, obtendrá un Billete Saludable adicional de $2 para gastar en frutas y verduras, hasta $10 por día.

¿Quién puede recibir esta prestación?

Las familias que actualmente reciben SNAP se inscribirán automáticamente en el programa EBT de verano. La mayoría de los beneficiarios se inscribirán automáticamente en función de su elegibilidad para SNAP y comidas gratuitas. A las familias que no estén inscritas automáticamente pero que tengan hijos que reúnan los requisitos, se les enviará directamente una carta con instrucciones sobre cómo recibir los beneficios.

¿Qué pasa si usted no recibe una carta pero cree que su hijo/estudiante califica?

Algunos estudiantes que no reúnen los requisitos automáticamente pueden recibir las prestaciones alimentarias EBT de verano rellenando una solicitud. Tenga en cuenta que para ser elegible para solicitar a través de esta aplicación, el estudiante debe asistir a una escuela que participa en el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares (NSLP), Y los ingresos del hogar debe estar en o por debajo de los límites de elegibilidad para comidas escolares gratuitas / precio reducido.

Las familias sólo tendrán que rellenar una solicitud para todos los estudiantes de la unidad familiar, que deberá cumplimentar uno de los padres o el tutor.

¿A cuánto ascenderá la prestación?

En 2024, cada niño que cumpla los requisitos recibirá 120 dólares en prestaciones alimentarias EBT de verano durante un periodo de tres meses. Hay un plazo de 122 días para utilizar todos los beneficios EBT de verano. Todos los beneficios no utilizados se eliminan de la tarjeta después de este tiempo. Asegúrese de utilizar sus beneficios lo antes posible después de recibirlos.

¿A dónde se enviarán los beneficios?

Todos los fondos de EBT de verano se pondrán en la tarjeta EBT Pandémica (P-EBT) emitida anteriormente a menos que se solicite una nueva tarjeta a través del sitio web de la Oficina de Asistencia Temporal y por Discapacidad. Usted puede solicitar una nueva tarjeta a través de la página web de la OTDA, que también es el lugar para ir si usted necesita para reemplazar una tarjeta perdida o robada. Las familias que no hayan recibido anteriormente la P-EBT también pueden solicitar las nuevas tarjetas emitidas a través de este sitio.

¿Cuándo recibiré mi EBT de verano?

Se espera que las primeras prestaciones alimentarias EBT de verano se emitan a partir de mediados de julio de 2024 y continuarán hasta octubre de 2024.

Para obtener más información, incluida la determinación de la elegibilidad o la solicitud de una tarjeta P-EBT de reemplazo, visite https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/.

 

 

As the expiration date of the Farm Bill looms on September 30th, it's crucial to understand the importance of this legislation, particularly its role in authorizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For 1.8 million New Yorkers, SNAP is not just a program—it’s a lifeline that ensures families have access to healthy food and nutritious meals.

SNAP in New York City: The Numbers

• 560,000 children in New York City rely on SNAP to help their families put food on the table.
• Older Adults (60+) represent 30% (530,000) of total SNAP recipients in our city.

These figures highlight the vital role SNAP plays in our community, supporting some of our most vulnerable populations: children and older adults.

The Threat of SNAP Cuts

Recently, the House Committee on Agriculture released a draft version of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (Farm Bill). This draft proposes the elimination of one of the two mechanisms for readjusting SNAP benefits. If enacted, this change would slash approximately $30 billion from SNAP benefits over the next decade. The consequences of such cuts would be devastating, drastically reducing support for the tens of millions of people in this country who are already struggling against hunger, especially during a time of increasing food insecurity.

The Impact on Local Economies

SNAP is not only essential for individuals and families; it also supports local and regional food businesses and economies. In 2023, the NYC Department of Social Services issued approximately $5 billion in SNAP benefits, with more than $3 million of these benefits redeemed at farmers markets. Local supermarkets and bodegas, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, rely on customers using SNAP funds. The USDA estimates that every $1 billion spent in SNAP benefits increases GDP by $1.79 billion, supporting 13,560 jobs and creating $32 million in farm income​.

Protecting the Thrifty Food Plan

The Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to set SNAP benefits, is vital for ensuring that benefit levels reflect current nutritional guidelines and market conditions. The last Farm Bill created a necessary pathway to update this plan every 5 years. However, the proposed cuts would eliminate these updates, preventing necessary adjustments and resulting in $30 billion less in SNAP benefits over the next decade​.

At GrowNYC, we are deeply committed to fighting food insecurity and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to nutritious food. That's why we are one of more than 1,400 organizations that have signed a letter urging Congress to protect and strengthen SNAP. 

We need your help to amplify this message. Share this blog with your network. Thank you for your support.

#SNAPshot