Nutrition Benefit Programs Accepted at GrowNYC Food Retail Sites

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households purchase food. Customers access their SNAP benefits using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. SNAP/EBT can be used to purchase any edible item at the market including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, and baked goods. SNAP/EBT cannot be used to purchase alcohol, hot foods, or non-edible items.

SNAP/EBT is accepted at all GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand locations. At Greenmarket, customers can visit the market information tent to swipe their SNAP/EBT card in exchange for wooden tokens that can be spent at the market. In addition, many farmers accept SNAP/EBT directly. Visit the market information tent to find out more.

Learn more about how to use your SNAP/EBT card at Greenmarket

To learn more about how to apply for SNAP, contact your local SNAP enrollment center.

Health Bucks

Farmers markets across the country offer incentives to shoppers who use SNAP to purchase local food, but it all started here in NYC over ten years ago. Health Bucks are $2 coupons sponsored by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets. Beginning in 2021: spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, receive a bonus $2 Health Buck up to $10 per visit! This incentive stretches a SNAP budget and encourages shoppers to spend more of their monthly food assistance allotment on fresh produce from the market.

  • Spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, get a bonus $2 Health Buck up to $10 per visit at all Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.
  • Health Bucks are accepted at all Greenmarket and Farmstand locations for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Health Bucks program

Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The New York State Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a federally funded and state administered program created to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to WIC participants and low-income seniors. FMNP distributes $4 checks to eligible seniors and WIC participants for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets from June to November. FMNP checks are accepted at all Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.

Learn how to use FMNP at Greenmarkets

To learn more about how to apply for FMNP, contact your local Senior center or WIC center.

FreshConnect Coupons

FreshConnect Coupons are $2 coupons that can be used at farmers markets in New York State to purchase any SNAP eligible item. In New York City, FreshConnect Coupons are distributed to military veterans, servicemembers and members of their family at Division of Veterans’ Affairs offices.

FreshConnect coupons are accepted at all Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.

To learn more about how to apply for Fresh Connect coupons, contact your local Veterans Affair office or visit the Fresh Connect website.

Greenmarket Bucks

Greenmarket Bucks are $2 coupons can be purchased by businesses, community-based organizations and non-profit organizations as incentives or rewards to clients, employees or community members. They are not available to individuals for purchase as gift certificates. Greenmarket Bucks are intended to introduce new customers to the fresh foods available at farmers markets as well as increase revenue for producers. Greenmarket Bucks come in three varieties: one for any product, another for any edible product except alcohol, and the third for fresh fruits and vegetables only. Partners can choose the type of Greenmarket Buck that is right for their program.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! GrowNYC distributes Greenmarket Bucks to participants in our youth and adult education programs. Through these programs, GrowNYC provides nutrition education and interactive market tours to thousands of participants each year. Program donations are graciously accepted in any amount and we also offer special Sponsorship Packages. For more information about purchasing Greenmarket Bucks, contact Greenmarket or visit this page on our website. 

Greenmarket Bucks are accepted at all Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.

Every year, GrowNYC holds our Annual Spring Plant Sale in order to provide community groups with affordable perennial and annual flowering plants, herbs, ground covers, and vegetables grown by Greenmarket farmers and sold in wholesale quantities.