FreshConnect bringing local food to high need areas | Home & Garden

FreshConnect is available online for New Yorkers interested in finding fresh and local food.

Governor Cuomo launched the program last year to create new farmers’ markets and to support existing markets that provided fresh produce to high-need areas.

This year, the program received 121 proposals of creative solutions for high need areas. Funding is being provide for the top projects that show local innovative solutions.

Examples of funded projects include:

• Farmers' markets and youth-operated farm stands that will be created or expanded to better serve low-income residents in food deserts
• Subsidized Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares or low-income CSA programs that will introduce over 100 new families to weekly deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables
• The introduction of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) services for the first time at 13 farmers' markets to allow these farmers markets to accept Food Stamps, along with plans to increase Food Stamp purchases through promotion and incentives
• Free transportation services to help increase traffic at existing markets and allow those with limited resources an opportunity to attend and shop at a farmers' market
• Improving distribution of locally grown, fresh food to food pantries and congregate feeding programs

Click here to learn more.