Over 104,000 people in Erie County have limited access to healthy foods. In 2022, grocery store prices are predicted to increase by nearly 10%. Food sustains our bodies, but it also connects us to our heritage, reflects our values, and links us to certain people and places. These resources will help us all access foods that are affordable, nutritious, filling, and right for our bodies.
Food For All
Our food system is comprised of growers, producers, packers, farmers markets, big and small stores, mobile markets, chefs and restaurants, truck drivers, salespeople, consumers (you!), waste collectors, and more.
Our food system is equitable when everyone has the support they need to access food that:
- is fresh, affordable and abundant
- is nutritious and filling; and
- affirms our personal food values, meets our wellness needs and supports our diet choices.
'Tis the Season to Eat Fresh Food
Food that is "in season" means it is typically harvested at this time of year, in this area. Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and abundant. Local food doesn't have to travel across the country (or globe!) to get to your plate. Shopping for seasonal food can be cheaper AND your purchase supports a local business. Check out when these popular fruits & veggies begin harvest in Erie County
Get Involved
Resources
Erie Grown: Know What Erie County Has to Offer
Erie Grown is helping people discover farms across Erie County!
The Erie Grown website is home to information from hundreds of local farms and markets. Learn about growing seasons and find out where to buy your favorite fruit or vegetable. Search Erie Grown by:
- Fruit & vegetable
- Location
- Business name
- Payment types accepted
The Erie County Office of Agriculture, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and the Soil and Water Conservation District, has once again launched the Erie Grown Passport. Participants earn points for visiting a farm or farm-related business listed on Erie Grown and can win prizes. Get started today!
Support for Buying Food
- EBT: Electronic Benefits Transfer is a card automatically issued to SNAP recipients to pay for food. EBT works like a debit card. EBT is also used for other temporary assistance programs in New York.
- Farmers Market Coupons: New York Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is issued in a booklet of $5 coupons to older adults and WIC recipients. Check with your WIC Office or Erie County Senior Services for eligibility.
- P-EBT: Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer is a card automatically issued to eligible children to replace meals missed on days school was closed due to COVID-19.
- SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides funds for food on an EBT card. Eligibility based on income, family size & basic expenses.
- Local Call Center: 716-858-7239
- SNAP Online
- Erie County Dept of Social Services
M-F 8:30am-4:00pm
158 Pearl St.
Buffalo, NY 14202 - Instacart now accepts SNAP
- Stretch your snap dollars: Double Up Food Bucks Provides $1 match for every $1 in snap spent on fresh produce. Double Up Food Bucks is available at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, corner stores, and locally-owned grocery stores. Find locations.
- Connect EBT is an app that monitors your EBT Balance, deposits, transaction activity & PIN # changes.
- Propel is an app that helps you monitor your SNAP/EBT, WIC, SSI, unemployment & more. Propel | Your benefits, made easier
- VEGGIE Rx: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides funds for food on an EBT card. Eligibility based on income, family size & basic expenses.
- WIC: Women, Infants & Children provides funds for specific nutritious food staples for qualifying pregnant & postpartum, infants & children up to age 5. Eligibility is based on income & family status. Funds are issued on WIC card.
- Note: WIC does not require US citizenship, social security number, green card, or legal residency to receive benefits
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) - Catholic Charities