Each season we focus on efforts to bring access and opportunity to more people by way of our participation in the SNAP/EBT, FreshConnect, WIC, FMNP, and our own $5 Emergency Market bucks program.

Last year we distributed $27,028 in financial assistance through SNAP, FreshConnect, and our $5 Emergency Market Bucks.

SNAP, FRESHCONNECT, WIC, + FMNP

How SNAP + FreshConnect works:

If you’re a SNAP user:

  1. Find our MANAGER’S TENT (at Happy Belly), Brandon will help you 👋

  2. Choose the amount of money you want to withdraw from your SNAP account

  3. Swipe your EBT card and enter your code in our SNAP reader

  4. Receive $1 wooden tokens in the amount you withdrew

  5. Receive $2-for-$2 FreshConnect coupons (up to $50) as a supplement to the amount you withdrew (example : if you take out $40, you will receive an additional $40 from NYS!)

  6. Use the tokens and coupons for SNAP-eligible items

  7. If you have remaining tokens and coupons, save them for the next time you’re at market— the tokens never expire, but FreshConnect does at the end of the year

FreshConnect is a NYS program through Ag and Markets. They are available to all SNAP users, no need to signup.

How FMNP and WIC works:

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is operated through NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and offers access to fresh fruits and vegetable for eligible participants: seniors and women with infants and children (through WIC). FMNP checks are in the amount of $5 and offered from June through November.

You can find more information about how to sign up as a senior here and through WIC here.

A number of our vendors accept FMNP checks, here is a current list: Blue Star Farm, Scarecrow Farm, Samascott Orchard, The Farm at Miller’s Crossing, Shaker Creek Farm, Red Oak Farm, Martins Farm Fresh, and Micosta Enterprises

Informational outreach:

Over the years we have paired with Columbia Kitchen, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene County, and the Hudson Youth Center to get informational flyers into the homes of the people involved in their programs. We plan to continue with a few local food pantries, local DSS office, and farm gleaning programs that our vendors participate in.

We also received a 2023 Farm Credit East Farmers' Market grant to print more flyers with these resources. If you know a SNAP/EBT customer who would benefit from the additional state funds you can download the flyer here.