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Consumer Resources

This page provides information for shoppers. Please email fpc@erie.gov with any corrections or if you have a topic that you would like to see on this page. Here are the most recent resources the Food Policy Council shared. Click on the blue title in each box to be taken to the resource.  Scroll down to see how you can shop smarter not harder!

Nutrition Benefit/Incentive Programs

Click on the row in the drop down that you would like to read about.  The text in parentheses after the name indicates who is eligible for the program.

I want to learn about nutrition benefit and incentive programs that I might be eligible for.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP (everyone)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called “SNAP”, is a nutrition benefit program.  SNAP is a program of the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.  Erie County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) manages SNAP in Erie County.  DSS explains eligibility criteria, the application process and what you can buy with your SNAP benefits.  

SNAP recipients have a card that looks like a debit or credit card.  This is called an Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card.  You will use this to pay for your groceries when you check out at the store or market. 

You can find a list of local farmers markets or farms accepting SNAP on Erie Grown’s producers page.

If you have SNAP, do you use the Providers app?  This app allows you to check your SNAP-EBT balance and spending history and find stores or markets that accept SNAP.  The app also provides other services.  You can also use SNAP on Instacart.  Read more about the Instacart app below. 

Visit the Connect EBT website to monitor your SNAP balance, transactions, and PIN changes.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, WIC (Women, and parents of children under 5 years)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, often called “WIC” or pronounced “wick”, is available to pregnant people, breastfeeding or chestfeeding parents, and children up to 5 years of age who meet certain income guidelines.  These income guidelines are different than SNAP.  You might be eligible for WIC but not for SNAP.  WIC is a program of the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.  Catholic Charities manages WIC in Erie County.  Those using WIC receive an eWIC card that is similar to a debit card.  Information about eWIC is available in multiple languages here.

Use WIC Connect to check WIC balances and manage their benefits.  WIC2Go is a mobile/phone app used to check WIC balances and upcoming appointments.  The app also shows WIC clinic and store locations.

Visit the Catholic Charities WIC page to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, and how you can use WIC.  

If you have WIC, do you use the Providers app?  This app allows you to check your WIC balance and spending history and find stores or markets that accept WIC.  The app also offers other services.  Learn more about this app in the Shop smarter, not harder drop-down below.

Double Up Food Bucks New York (SNAP recipients)

Double Up Food Bucks NY, a program of Field & Fork Network, is a nutrition incentive program for SNAP shoppers that offers a long-term, sustainable solution to fighting food insecurity across New York. The program is a win-win-win, increasing accessibility and affordability of local, fresh fruits and vegetables for families, increasing economic opportunities for farmers, and supporting local economies. A family purchases fresh fruits and vegetables with SNAP benefits at a participating site and then receives a dollar-for-dollar match in Double Up Food Bucks, from $5-$20 a day, to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks NY is available at farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets and grocery stores across New York. Participating locations can be found by visiting Find a location – Double Up food Bucks NYS.  To learn more visit doubleupnys.com or fieldandforknetwork.com.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC recipients, Seniors over 60 years)

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program operates in 49 states.  In New York state, it is available to people shopping with WIC and seniors over 60 years old who meet income eligibility guidelines.  The coupons can be used at participating farmers markets, mobile markets and farm stands. 

WIC recipients can contact their local WIC office to determine how and when to receive coupons.  The Catholic Charities WIC Office phone number is (716) 218-1484.  A list of the local WIC offices is here.

Seniors can contact the Erie County Department of Senior Services to determine where and when coupons will be distributed.  The Department’s phone number is (716) 858-8526. 

FreshConnect coupons (SNAP recipients)

FreshConnect coupons are an incentive program for those using SNAP at farmers markets, farm stands and mobile markets.  For every $5 spent with SNAP, receive a $2 coupon at participating FreshConnect locations.  FreshConnect is also available for veterans and service members.  Learn more about FreshConnect from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website.

Go and Dine (Seniors over 60 years)

Go and Dine is a program from Erie County Department of Senior Services.  Go and Dine is available to Erie County residents who are 60 years or older.  Participants receive vouchers on a monthly basis.  They can visit participating restaurants and order from the Go and Dine menu.  A $3 donation is suggested, but not required. Learn more about Go and Dine here.

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (“Just Say Yes”) provides families with low-income or SNAP recipients nutrition education through the SNAP-Ed program.  The nutrition education programs are hosted by the regional foodbank organizations which can be found here.  These opportunities provide an opportunity to meet with a dietician.  Presenters may also have coupons or other incentives to share.  Additionally, Just Say Yes provides recipes on their website that are accessible to anyone.  The recipes are available in English and Spanish.

Food access newsletterShop smarter, not harder

The Office of Health Equity publishes a public health newsletter, including one about food access.  Download a copy of the newsletter and use the drop down below to see other ways to shop smarter, not harder!

Shop local

Erie County has many alternatives to box stores or grocery stores.  These options include:

  • Farmers markets: One or more farm organizations selling products in a designated central location, such as a parking lot.  These items usually include fresh fruit and vegetables, live plants or seeds, and homemade items.  These are usually held weekly.
  • Mobile markets: An organization selling fresh fruit and vegetables from a truck, van or table and tents. Organizations often have a schedule with multiple stops each week.
  • Farm stands: Some farms offer their produce at a stand located on their farm or on the side of the road.  These may have specific hours of operation.  Some of these farm stands use an honor system, with a drop box to pay for the items you purchase.  

Learn more about these alternative resources from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Many of these accept SNAP and participate in Double Up Food Bucks New York.  Some participate in Farmers Market Nutrition Program.  The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is an incentive program for shoppers using WIC and residents over 60 years who meet certain income eligibility guidelines.  

If you shop at a farmers market, mobile market or farm stand, you can ask about the products and farming practices.  Some topics and questions you might ask include:

  1. What do you grow? Know what crops they are growing & when are those items “in season” so you can be prepared to stock up at the right time of year.
  2. How do you grow? Ask about certifications, types of seeds, soil quality, types of pesticides & when pesticides are applied to make informed decisions about what you buy. Knowing more about growing methods and shelf life will give you an idea of what to expect and how to best enjoy the harvest.
  3. How can I buy? Ask about container typical sizes (pint, quart, peck, bushel) and all of the buying opportunities available to you before you purchase. Farmers may have bulk pricing or subscriptions (also called CSAs) available. Consider shopping for your neighbors or learning how to preserve food to maximize the benefit of bulk pricing.
Use store or market specific rewards programs

Some stores offer a rewards program to their shoppers.  These may be done with a rewards card, coupons or a store-specific app.  Similarly, some markets offer a rewards program for their customers.  These rewards are usually redeemable at any of the store or market’s locations.  Customers usually have a few weeks to use earned rewards, however some programs never expire.  

Apps

There are several apps available to help you save money and save time when shopping.  The ones listed below are the ones we know about.  Have an app that you don’t see on the list?  Email fpc@erie.gov so that it can be added to the list!

  • Flash Foods: Get connected to discount items at local grocery stores like Tops.
  • Ibotta: Earn cash back when you shop with the ibotta app!  Simply link your store account or submit a receipt and deposit the savings to your bank account, PayPal or in the form of a gift card.
  • Instacart: Shop at your favorite stores and schedule a pickup time or delivery with this app or on their website.  Instacart offers Instacart+, an annual membership allowing frequent customers to pay a set fee rather than the delivery fee each time they shop.  A membership is not required to use Instacart.
  • Mealime: Find recipes and build a meal plan.  Then save time at the store by creating a shopping list specific to the recipes you choose. 
  • Providers: Monitor your SNAP/EBT, WIC, SSI, unemployment and more with this app. 
  • Store and market specific apps: Some stores offer an app for customers to manage their rewards, create shopping lists, or order online with a scheduled pickup or delivery time.