Health Bucks
Health Bucks are $2 coupons distributed by the NYC Health Department that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets.
How to get Health Bucks
Farmers Market Shoppers with SNAP Benefits
Health Bucks provide New Yorkers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, with additional purchasing power to buy fresh, locally-grown produce. For every $5 spent at farmers markets using SNAP on an EBT card, shoppers receive $2 in Health Bucks. Health Bucks are available year-round at NYC farmers markets that accept EBT.
Community Organizations
Community organizations may apply to receive Health Bucks to distribute to clients as an incentive to support nutrition education and other health-related activities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and qualifying organizations will receive Health Bucks beginning July 1st. Health Bucks are available on a first-come first-served basis as the quantity of coupons is limited.
Purchase Health Bucks
If your organization would like to purchase Health Bucks coupons, please email farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov for more information.
Pharmacy to Farm Prescriptions
Pharmacy to Farm Prescriptions gives SNAP participants with high blood pressure $30 in Health Bucks each month to buy fruits and vegetables from NYC farmers markets. Patients filling a prescription for high blood pressure medication receive a fruit and vegetable “prescription” that is exchanged at a nearby farmers market for Health Bucks. Visit a participating pharmacy below to sign up.
| Borough | Location | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | Whitman Pharmacy (in Fort Greene) 329A Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 |
(718) 938-0816 |
| Manhattan | Drug Mart II (in Inwood) 4873 Broadway New York, NY 10034 |
(212) 569-4400 |
| NuCare Pharmacy & Surgical (in Chelsea) 250 9th Ave New York, NY 10001 |
(212) 462-2525 | |
| Queens | Jannat Pharmacy (in Jackson Heights) 7203 35th Ave Flushing, NY 11372 |
(718) 732-4288 |
For questions, please email farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov.
Farmers Market Walking Tours
How to Lead a Farmers Market Walking Tour:
Leading a group on a farmers market walking tour is a great way to familiarize participants with their local farmers market. Download tips for How to Lead a Walking Tour (PDF) and see the interactive walking tour activities below.
Farmers Market Walking Tour Activities
- Interview a Farmer (PDF) Other languages (PDF): [Español]
- Farmers Market Exploration (PDF) Other languages (PDF): [Español]
- Market Fresh Recipe Challenge (PDF) Other languages (PDF): [Español]
News and Reports
- April 2017: Health Commissioner Bassett, GrowNYC Announce Record $1 Million in SNAP Benefits Redeemed At Greenmarkets In 2016.
- June 2016: New York City Receives Over $3 Million from U.S. Department of Agriculture to Expand and Evaluate Health Bucks.
- October 2015: Health Bucks Program Marks 10 Year Anniversary: More than $2 Million Redeemed in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables from 2005 to 2015.
- April 2015: Study of the impact of Health Bucks on awareness of and access to farmers markets and fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption in NYC. Impacts of a Farmers Market Incentive Programme on Fruit and Vegetable Access, Purchase and Consumption.
- September 2013: Study of the impact of Health Bucks on SNAP sales at farmers markets. The Impact of New York City’s Health Bucks Program on Electronic Benefit Transfer Spending at Farmers Markets, 2006-2009.
- August 2013: Results of a CDC evaluation of the Health Bucks program. Implementing a Farmers Market Incentive Program: Perspectives on the New York City Health Bucks Program.
- July 2013: Deputy Mayor Gibbs, Health Commissioner Farley and Health and Hospitals Corporation President Aviles Launch New Programs to Help Families Eat Better and Access Healthy Produce at Farmers Markets (PDF)
- December 2012: New York City Health Department Farmers Market Programs 2012 Season Report (PDF)
- July 2012: Mayor Bloomberg Discusses How New Health Bucks Program Will Provide Greater Access to Healthy Food for Low Income Families in Weekly Radio Address
- December 2011: New York City Health Department’s Farmers Market Program 2011 Season Report (PDF)
- December 2010: New York City Health Department’s Farmers Markets Initiatives: Promoting Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Underserved Communities 2010 Season Report (PDF)
For more information about the Health Department's farmers market work, contact us at farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov.