New York is investing big in its local food systems. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that more than $1.12 million will be awarded to 25 farmers’ market organizations across the state — the largest round of funding yet through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program.
The funding, part of the 2024-25 state budget, aims to strengthen infrastructure at markets, expand access to local foods, and support communities facing rising food insecurity.
“Our farmers’ markets are some of our greatest assets,” said Governor Hochul. “They connect fresh, healthy, New York-grown food directly to the communities that need it most — and they support hardworking farmers along the way.”
Growing stronger local markets
The grants will fund improvements like signage, booths, and digital upgrades — including new websites and online ordering options. This third round of the program marks the most projects funded to date, increasing by 19 since last year.
Awardees include a mix of cities, nonprofits, cooperatives, and community partnerships across every region, from the City of Geneva and Schenectady Greenmarket to grassroots organizations in the Bronx and rural outreach in the North Country.
The investments arrive as federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threaten to reduce access to healthy food for hundreds of thousands of families statewide.
In 2024, New Yorkers made over 400,000 SNAP transactions at farmers’ markets, generating more than $10 million in revenue through the FreshConnect program alone.
Double the impact in underserved communities
Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball praised the grants as a way to “build greater bonds between farmers and their customers” — especially in underserved areas where markets offer more than just fresh food. They’re also hubs for civic connection, cultural celebration, and economic growth.
“SNAP sales in farming communities have dramatically increased since 2019,” said Ball. “This is real income for farmers and real food for families.”
Officials also noted that the state’s FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative, which matches SNAP dollars spent at participating markets, doubles the financial hit to farms when federal aid is cut.
Beyond farmers’ markets, New York continues to support broader food security efforts through programs like Nourish NY, the 30% NYS Initiative for school meals, and the Farm-to-School program. A separate $10 million fund is also backing supermarket and mobile market expansions in underserved areas.
Awardees include:
- Capital Region: City of Rensselaer, Schenectady Greenmarket Inc.
- Finger Lakes: City of Geneva, Village of Victor, Cooperstown Farmers’ Market
- New York City: RiseBoro Community Partnership, Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, YMYWHA of the Bronx
- Western NY: City of North Tonawanda, Providence Farm Collective, Michigan Street Heritage Corridor
Jack Riffle, Executive Director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York, said the ripple effects of these investments go far beyond individual markets. “Your projects will help the bottom line for your vendors and improve the quality of life in your communities,” he said.
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