New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's "Health Bucks"

New York

"Health Bucks" is a fruit and vegetable incentive program that provides vouchers for fresh produce to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible. Distributors receive the $2 coupons, redeemable at farmers markets, to be given out as part of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive program or to participants of nutrition education classes. Montefiore Medical Center is one of numerous organizations collaborating with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to implement Health Bucks. Staff members, namely nutrition and health educators, distribute the coupons to patients participating in Montefiore’s health education program, diabetes prevention classes and guided farmers market walks. Montefiore has a 98 percent redemption rate for its vouchers and is the largest distributor of Health Bucks in New York City.

Partner Organizations

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
• Various distributors, including Montefiore Medical Center
• Various markets, including Harvest Home Farmers Market

Target Population

New Yorkers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits

Care Team

Nutrition and health educators

Timeframe

2001 - present

Results/ Studies

N/A

Funding

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, health system

Resources

Program website

Case study: Montefiore Medical Center