NYC Food by the Numbers: Farmers’ Markets
In New York State, the number of farmers’ markets has more than doubled since 2000, increasing from 235 in 2000 to 521 in 2012.[1]
- This year there are 145 farmers’ market across the 5 boroughs (2014)
- 135 markets (93%) accept EBT and all markets in NYC accept Health Bucks [2]
- In 2013 there were 141 farmers’ markets across the city and 83 of the markets were located in high and very high poverty zip codes.
- Since 2006, the number of farmers’ markets in high and very high poverty zip codes has increased by 71% but the proportion located in these neighborhoods has not increased much, reducing the opportunity for these markets to shrink inequalities in access (see below table).
Markets in High and Very High Poverty
2006:
45 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
79 total markets
57% of markets in high and very high poverty
2007:
47 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
83 total markets
57% of markets in high and very high poverty
2008:
49 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
91 total markets
54% of markets in high and very high poverty
2009:
60 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
106 total markets
57% of markets in high and very high poverty
2010:
64 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
112 total markets
57% of markets in high and very high poverty
2011:
69 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
124 total markets
56% of markets in high and very high poverty
2012:
81 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
135 total markets
60% of markets in high and very high poverty
2013:
83 markets in high and very high poverty zip codes
141 total markets
59% of markets in high and very high poverty
SNAP SALES IN FARMERS’ MARKETS TOTALED $1,113,893
In 2013, SNAP sales at NYC farmers’ markets totaled $1,113,893 (federal fiscal year of Oct 1 to Sept 30). In 2013, more than $600,000 worth of Health Bucks, redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables, were distributed to low-income New Yorkers
More than $330,000 worth of Health Bucks were distributed as a SNAP incentive and more than 240 community-based organizations participated in the program last year and distributed Health Bucks to complement their nutrition and health programming. Farmers markets that offered Health Bucks coupons to SNAP recipients averaged higher daily EBT sales of $383 than markets without the incentive[3]
While available data show a growth in the number of farmers’ markets, those located in low income communities, and those that accept SNAP through EBTs, few data are available on changes in the total revenues generated by farmers’ markets and the percent of all New York City food purchases made at farmers’ markets by better off and low income residents. Gathering these data is an essential next step for assessing the contribution of farmers’ markets in reducing inequalities in food access in New York City.
Farmers’ market data courtesy of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and GrowNYC.
Know Your Markets!
Greenmarket operates 52 greenmarkets and 14 youthmarkets across 5 boroughs. Greenmarket boasts 224 farmers/producers hailing from 6 Northeastern states and offering over 10,000 varieties of produce.
Just Food operates 28 markets across 4 boroughs. Each City Farms Market is started and managed by members of the community committed to bringing fresh, affordable food to their neighborhoods.
Harvest Home operates 17 markets across 4 boroughs, most of which are located in areas of high need.
photo courtesy of GrowNYC
References and for additional information:
To find out if you qualify for EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov.
Learn more about EBT and the Health Bucks program.
[3] Baronberg S, Dunn L, Nonas C, Dannefer R, Sacks R. The Impact of New York City’s Health Bucks Program on Electronic Benefit Transfer Spending at Farmers Markets, 2006–2009. Prev Chronic Dis 2013;10:130113. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130113
