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New York City will increase the daily matching limit on healthy farmers market coupons to $14 starting in 2027, allowing SNAP families to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices, while also supporting local farm produce vendors.
mayorMandani (Zohran Mamdani) announced on the 29th that from January 2027, the daily rebate limit of the “Health Bucks” program will be increased from 10 yuan to 14 yuan, an increase of 40%. Receiveration card (SNAP) residents can receive two yuan in fruit and vegetable coupons for every two yuan spent on food stamps at farmers’ markets and agricultural product stands participating in the program; The city expects to issue coupons worth about 2.3 million yuan to food stamp users in 2027.
Calculated based on the new upper limit, if residents use 14 yuan food coupons to buy fruits and vegetables on the same day, they can get an additional 14 yuan coupons for a total of 28 yuan worth of fruits and vegetables. What this adjustment increases is the maximum amount of the daily matching discount. The ratio of receiving two yuan for every two yuan spent remains the same. This does not mean that the total amount of food stamps for each household has increased by 40%.
Health Bucks cost $2 each and can be used to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. These can be used at over 100 farmers markets and produce stalls across the city. It is planned to operate all year round, but some markets are open only in summer and autumn. In winter there are fewer places to choose from, and residents must confirm opening times first.
Mandani said many families are facing rising food prices and are forced to buy less fruits and vegetables; Increasing the exemption limit will make fresh food more affordable for families who rely on food stamps, while supporting local vendors who supply agricultural products to the community. Health Secretary Alistair F. Martin points out that chronic diseases like heart disease are related to diet, but knowing you should eat more fruits and vegetables and actually being able to afford them are two different things; Increasing subsidies will help increase the purchasing power of low-income residents.
Health Bureau research reported that among adults at risk for food insecurity, nearly 80% had difficulty obtaining nutritionally balanced meals, 18% had not eaten fruits and vegetables throughout the day before the interview, and nearly a third had sought help from emergency food services such as food distribution stations.
Residents can bring their EBT welfare card to a farmers market or farm produce stall that participates in the program and accepts SNAP, and can inquire with the on-site service desk or staff about how to obtain coupons. Health Bucks are only valid for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables and must be used before December 31 of the relevant year.
Residents can visit nyc.gov/healthbucks to see a market list and a Chinese map, or text “So Good” in English to 55676 to find a nearby market. Chinese residents may pay attention to the farmers market located at the junction of 7th Avenue and 44th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Current timings are every Saturday from 8am to 3pm and is open all year round. Flushing Market is located at the junction of Sanford Avenue and Union Street. Current timings are every Wednesday from 8 am to 3 pm. It will remain open till November 25 (Wednesday) this year. The opening date in 2027 has not yet been announced.
Summary FAQ
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The city government announced that from January 2027, the daily rebate limit for Health Bucks will increase from 10 yuan to 14 yuan, an increase of nearly 40%; However, the matching ratio of receiving 2 yuan for every 2 yuan spent remains unchanged, and does not mean that the total amount of food stamps will increase by 40%.
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Eligible residents can bring their EBT welfare card to spend money at farmers markets or produce stands that participate in the program and accept SNAP; For every $2 spent on food stamps, they can receive $2 in Health Bucks, which can only be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
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The city government hopes to reduce the burden on fruits and vegetables due to rising prices, make fresh food more affordable for low-income families and support local vendors. The Health Bureau also pointed out that chronic diseases are related to diet, and subsidies could help increase purchasing power.
