Local farmers market helps amid SNAP uncertainty

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Elmwood Village Farmers Market is making sure everyone has access to fresh, healthy, and local food. 

Amid uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, the market is extending its "Double Up Food Bucks NY" program to put more food on the table. 

Leaders from the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and State Assemblyman John Rivera gathered to announce that the program will be extended through the end of November. 

"It is absolutely vital that people have access to healthy food, food overall, so our families, our community can really thrive. And we know there's a lot of barriers, and that's true at this time and that's true at any time," said the president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Jessica Cox. 

Officials said this extension ensures that SNAP recipients can continue to stretch their food dollars and access fresh, healthy, local produce later into the season. 

The Double Up Food Bucks NY program allows low-income individuals more access to healthy local foods by providing a one-for-one match for every dollar of SNAP benefits spent on eligible fresh fruits and vegetables, effectively doubling a family's purchasing power for fresh produce. 

"Everyone is talking about their grocery bills and how much more that they're paying for their groceries. The fact that they can come here, and if you have the SNAP benefits you can get twice as much money for those benefits to spend here," said Rooted Locally owner Lisa Brocato. 

"I'm glad to see them extend it, especially folks who need it now. It's great they were able to get it in place, in time to help people out," said Elmwood Village Farmers Market board president and local farmer Bob Weiss.