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New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 4:19 p.m. ET
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Andrew Burton / Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 4:19 p.m. ET
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New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive more money to use at farmers markets and farm stands next year, City Hall announced Thursday.
The changes are coming to the city’s Health Bucks program, one of several initiatives that lower the cost of healthy foods for low-income residents who often struggle to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
SNAP recipients are already able to receive an additional $2 for every $2 spent purchasing certain fresh produce at more than 100 local greenmarkets across the five boroughs, but the city sets a daily cap of $10.
Starting in January, the cap will increase to $14.
The cost of increasing the daily cap in this program, which is partially funded by the city, is expected to reach $2.3 million in 2027, officials said.
It’s a change that Mayor Zohran Mamdani said “puts fresh produce within reach and makes groceries more affordable” for low-income residents.
“Every day, New Yorkers walk into a store hoping prices haven’t gone up again,” the mayor said in a statement on Thursday. “As food insecurity rises, far too many families are forced to skip the fruits and vegetables.”
Those who aren’t on SNAP can still receive Health Bucks from nonprofits and faith-based organizations that distribute the $2 coupons.
A full list of farmers markets and farmstands that accept Health Bucks can be found on the city’s website.
Tagged
Health and Science
economy
new york city
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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