Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on the 29th that the daily limit on Health Bucks that SNAP recipients receive at farmers markets will rise from $10 to $14 starting in January next year. The system of receiving a $2 coupon for every $2 spent stays the same, and the coupons can be used at more than 100 farmers markets and produce stands across the city.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Thursday, the 29th, that the city is expanding the Health Bucks available to recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 40%. Starting in January 2027, the daily limit will rise from $10 to $14. The city expects about $2.3 million worth of Health Bucks to go to SNAP recipients in the coming year alone.
Health Bucks are coupons given to SNAP recipients that match the amount they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets or produce stands. The system of receiving a coupon for every $2 spent is not changing. The coupons can be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 100 farmers markets and produce stands in New York City.
According to a survey by the city Department of Health, nearly 8 in 10 adults at risk of food insecurity said they have difficulty putting together a balanced meal. Eighteen percent had not eaten any fruit or vegetables the previous day, and about one-third had received emergency food assistance such as from a food pantry. Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Alistair Martin said raising the daily limit to $14 would increase SNAP recipients' purchasing power and also help local farms.
The program is funded by the city budget and a new $5.7 million grant from the federal Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). Health Bucks marks its 20th anniversary this year, and the city Health Department has distributed more than $20 million since 2005. The city also plans to open one city-owned grocery store in each borough during the mayor's term, with La Marqueta in East Harlem selected this year as the first proposed site.