More than $1.12 million has been distributed to 25 farmers’ market organizations across New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul announced following National Farmers’ Market Week. The funding comes from the third round of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program and marks an increase of over $870,000 compared to last year’s awards. This initiative is part of the 2024-25 New York State Budget and is intended to strengthen the state’s food system.
Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of farmers’ markets in providing fresh, locally grown food to communities. “Our farmers’ markets are some of our greatest assets in getting healthy, fresh, New York-grown food directly into the communities who need them most,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to continue investing in these essential cornerstones of community that not only make a difference to our most vulnerable residents, but are also connecting our hardworking New York farmers to new markets. I congratulate the awardees of this program’s funding and look forward to seeing how much you continue to grow.”
The grants will support infrastructure improvements for recipient organizations, such as booths, signage, website development, and online sales capabilities. This round awarded more projects than previous rounds—19 more than last year.
Richard Ball, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, emphasized the role these markets play in connecting different communities: “Our farmers’ markets are critical community hubs, bridging the gap between urban, suburban, and rural communities, all while providing a market for New York agricultural producers. This program ensures our markets reach more consumers in new, innovative ways, build greater bonds between farmers and their customers, and get more local New York foods onto tables across the state, especially in our underserved communities through critical services like SNAP. I congratulate all the awardees of this program and look forward to seeing all the great work they will do with this funding in the years to come.”
Barbara C. Guinn from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance noted increased use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers’ markets under Governor Hochul’s leadership: “The growth in the use of SNAP at farmers’ markets under Governor Hochul’s leadership has benefited low-income families, farmers, and communities across the state. These grants will strengthen local farmers’ markets, preserving and expanding access to fresh, affordable, New York-grown food while helping to address hunger and food insecurity. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to building a resilient food supply chain while focusing on the needs of SNAP recipients who count on this assistance to put healthy food on the table for themselves and their families.”
In 2024 alone over 400,000 transactions were made using SNAP benefits at participating markets through FreshConnect—a program that generated over $10 million in revenue for local farms.
Jack Riffle from Farmers’ Market Federation of New York commented on broader impacts: “Congratulations to the recipients of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program! New York continues to show its commitment to strengthening local food systems by investing in farmers’ markets around the State. Investments like this have meaningful impacts beyond the organizations receiving funding. So hooray to the organizations receiving this support—your projects will help the bottomline for your vendors and improve the quality of life in your communities. I look forward to seeing how funded projects might offer inspiration to other markets around State.”
State officials say these investments are increasingly important as federal cuts threaten SNAP programs nationwide; reduced SNAP funding could impact both families relying on assistance as well as thousands of businesses—including grocery stores—and farm stands throughout every county.
A report from the Office of State Comptroller found that about 10 percent—or roughly 800,000 households—in New York experienced food insecurity between 2019–2021.
New York supports additional initiatives aimed at improving access for low-income families through programs like Nourish NY; Farm-to-School; Regional School Food Infrastructure Grants; Food Access Expansion Grants; FreshConnect Fresh2You; and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs.
Currently there are more than 400 farmer’s markets operating statewide along with hundreds more farm stands or mobile market operators serving consumer demand for fresh products directly from farms.
