Cooperstown Farmers’ Market offers extra benefits to customers using SNAP

The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market welcomes customers who shop with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Since 2019, the Cooperstown Lions Club has offered SNAP Match at the Market. When someone is shopping with SNAP, they receive a match of up to $20 to use on SNAP-eligible food, which includes vegetables, fruit, cheese, meats, and other items, such as vegetable plants.

In addition, the Farmers’ Market now offers customers using SNAP a second match of up to $20 to use to purchase vegetables, fruit, and produce-bearing plants through Double Up Food Bucks NY (DUFB). Since piloting DUFB at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the DUFB program into over 230+ locations across 32 counties in the state and has served over 100,000 SNAP customers.

“The Double Up program is a win-win-win,” said Lisa French, co-founder and executive director of Field & Fork Network. “Low-income families bring home more healthy food, local farmers sell more produce, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.”

Food assistance programs now account for $15,000 annually in nutritious local foods going to low-income families through the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. “Now with Double Up Food Bucks, we look forward to providing more local food to local families,” said Alex Webster, Market Manager at Otsego 2000, which started the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market in 1991.  

Located at 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays throughout the year. Saturday hours are 9 am - 2 pm, May through December, and 10 am – 2pm January through April. In addition, during July, August, and September, the Market is open on Tuesdays from 12 pm – 4 pm.  SNAP/EBT is welcome and matched at every Market. For more information on the Market, go to www.cooperstownfarmersmarket.org.