BILL NUMBER: S4162
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:
This bill 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.
 
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 have a reduced risk of
some chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients vital for
health and maintenance of the body. In 2011, Governor Cuomo introduced
the FreshConnect program to create new farmers' markets and support
existing markets that provide outlets for fresh food in underserved
neighborhoods, as well as providing a $2 incentive for every $2 of
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit used at partic-
ipating markets, thereby increasing the purchasing power of SNAP consum-
ers by 40 percent while supporting local farmers. The program expanded
to include Veterans, service members, and their immediate family 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 who
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: Referred to Agriculture 2021-22: Referred to Agriculture
2023-24: Vetoed
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
 
PURPOSE: