Eat well for less
Money for produce
Eating healthy shouldn’t cost more. New York runs real programs that put money toward fruits and vegetables — and a lot of people who qualify never hear about them. Here’s what’s out there and how to get it.
Heads up: benefit programs and amounts change. We link to each program’s official source — always confirm the details there. Last checked June 2026. Programs marked “Confirm it’s running” are worth a quick call before you count on them.
Health Bucks
$2 back for every $5 you spend with SNAP at farmers markets.
- What you get
- At NYC farmers markets, every $5 you spend with your EBT card earns a $2 Health Bucks coupon to buy more fruits and vegetables. Community groups hand them out too.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone shopping with SNAP/EBT at a participating market — plus people who receive them through community organizations.
- How to get it
- Shop with your EBT card at a participating NYC farmers market and ask for your Health Bucks at the market’s info table.
Pharmacy to Farm
$30 a month in Health Bucks if you have high blood pressure + SNAP.
This program’s funding has shifted over the years — confirm it’s currently running with your pharmacist before counting on it.
- What you get
- $30 in Health Bucks each month to spend on produce at NYC farmers markets — aimed at folks managing high blood pressure.
- Who qualifies
- SNAP participants with high blood pressure, enrolled through a participating pharmacy.
- How to get it
- Ask your pharmacist whether they take part in the Pharmacy to Farm program.
Free produce boxes (NYC Health + Hospitals)
Months of free produce boxes for eligible patients.
Ask your provider — which sites participate and how to enroll can change.
- What you get
- Eligible patients get free monthly produce boxes for a stretch of months, plus support for eating more plants — through the Lifestyle Medicine Program.
- Who qualifies
- Patients at participating NYC Health + Hospitals sites. Availability is by location.
- How to get it
- Ask your NYC Health + Hospitals provider about the Lifestyle Medicine Program.
GrowNYC Fresh Food Box
Low-cost boxes of fresh produce, right in the neighborhood.
- What you get
- A box of fresh, mostly-local fruits and vegetables for well below store prices. Takes SNAP/EBT and Health Bucks.
- Who qualifies
- Open to everyone — no income requirement.
- How to get it
- Find a neighborhood Fresh Food Box site (several in Brooklyn) and pick up your box on the weekly distribution day.
SNAP (food stamps)
Monthly money for groceries — and the key that unlocks Health Bucks.
- What you get
- Monthly funds on an EBT card for food, including all the fresh produce you want. It’s also what unlocks Health Bucks at the market.
- Who qualifies
- Based on household size and income — many working families qualify and don’t realize it.
- How to get it
- Apply through ACCESS HRA, online, by phone, or in person.
WIC
Fruit & veggie benefits for pregnant people and young children.
- What you get
- Monthly benefits that include a fruit-and-vegetable amount, plus nutrition support and healthy staples.
- Who qualifies
- Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people, and children under 5, who meet the income guidelines.
- How to get it
- Apply through a NYC WIC center near you.
Most of these work at farmers markets. Find ones near you on the map.
Find markets near youHeart of the Block isn’t affiliated with these programs — we just point the way. This is information, not benefits or medical advice.