BILL NUMBER: S1780A
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to incentivize the purchase of local produce in supermarkets and
grocery stores through the FreshConnect program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To expand the reach of the FreshConnect program across the state and
increase access to affordable fruits and vegetables to. New Yorkers in
need.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes definitions for local produce and producer, as
well as requiring that the commissioner of agriculture and markets
expand the FreshConnect program to include local produce sold in super-
markets.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
According to the USDA's Choose My Plate recommendations, eating fruits
and vegetables provides health benefits - people who eat more vegetables
and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a
reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide
nutrients vital for health and maintenance of the body. In 2011, Gover-
nor Cuomo introduced the FreshConnect program to create new farmers'
markets and support existing markets that provide outlets for fresh food
in high need neighborhoods, as well as providing a $2 incentive for
every $2 of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit
used at participating markets thereby increasing the purchasing power of
SNAP consumers by 40 percent while supporting local farmers. The program
expanded to include Veterans', Service members and their immediate fami-
ly members in 2014.
This program has been incredibly successful at increasing access to
fresh fruits and vegetables to the almost 1.5 million New Yorkers that
live in areas with limited supermarket access. This bill seeks to expand
the program to include supermarkets and grocery stores as well, this way
helping people bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables while still
supporting local farmers. The wins are three-fold: low-income consumers
eat more healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more
money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy. Similar programs
have been implemented in other states like the Double Up Food Bucks
program in Michigan, where farmers markets, supermarkets, and grocery
stores participate.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: S.2577 - Referred to Agriculture
2021-22: S.3400 - Referred to Agriculture
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.