Empowering Syracuse Residents: How Double Up Food Bucks Boosts Access to Fresh, Local Produce

In a city grappling with food insecurity, the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program is making a significant impact. By allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to maximize their benefits, the initiative is increasing access to healthy, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables for Syracuse residents. This article explores how the program is benefiting both consumers and local farmers, and the crucial role it plays in addressing the city's food desert challenges.

Unlocking Nutritious Choices for All

Bridging the Gap in Food Access

Syracuse, a city with a significant population living below the poverty line, faces the challenge of food deserts – areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food options. The DUFB program aims to tackle this issue head-on, empowering SNAP recipients to stretch their benefits and purchase fresh, locally-grown produce. By matching the price of eligible purchases up to $20 per day, the program ensures that healthy choices are within reach for those who need it most.Farmer Brown's Market Garden owner, Kyle Brown, has witnessed a surge in Syracuse residents visiting his stand since the city's farmers market joined the DUFB program. "It's a really important program," Brown affirms. "It allows people access to healthy local food that otherwise might not be able to get that." This sentiment is echoed by Farmers Market Liaison, Chuck McFadden, who emphasizes the program's ability to support both consumers and local farmers.

Strengthening the Local Food Economy

The DUFB program not only benefits individual shoppers but also bolsters the local food economy. By encouraging more customers to visit the farmers market and purchase directly from participating vendors, the initiative helps sustain and grow the city's network of small-scale producers. After receiving the DUFB tokens from shoppers, farmers can redeem them for a matching check the following week, providing a crucial financial boost."There's people who end up shopping at the farmers markets that maybe normally wouldn't, and are able to get the local produce they normally wouldn't get," Brown explains. "So it definitely helps and impacts the local farmers." In 2022 alone, the program channeled $422,000 directly to New York farmers, according to the Field & Fork Network's Impact Report.

Addressing Inflation's Impact

The DUFB program has become increasingly vital as the nation grapples with the effects of inflation. "We all live with inflation, and inflation is hurting everybody," McFadden acknowledges. "Inflation is just killing people, mostly at the grocery store. This helps with your produce."By doubling the purchasing power of SNAP benefits, the program offers a lifeline to those struggling to afford nutritious food. "If you come here with only $10 and you need to buy produce, we're gonna double it to help you even more," McFadden assures.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The DUFB program's success in Syracuse has not gone unnoticed. Launched a decade ago in western New York with just seven participating farmers markets, the initiative has since expanded to over 230 locations across the state. Liza Bernard, the economic development coordinator at the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, emphasizes the program's importance in a city where a significant portion of the population relies on SNAP benefits.Looking ahead, McFadden expresses a desire to see the program's reach grow even further, particularly in the city's inner-city and underserved neighborhoods. "We're fairly close to the inner city, the near Westside and the Southside where they need those dollars most," he says.The DUFB program's impact extends beyond individual consumers, as it also supports local farmers and the broader food system. By increasing access to fresh, affordable produce and bolstering the local economy, the initiative is playing a vital role in addressing food insecurity and promoting a more equitable and sustainable food landscape in Syracuse.