People who receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may see their money go a bit farther at farmers markets, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced Wednesday.

An expanded dollar-for-dollar match under the FreshConnect Fresh2You program will boost the buying power of SNAP recipents at farmers markets. The announcement comes as federal pandemic relief money that augmented the incomes of SNAP recipients has come to an end.

"New York has taken significant steps to develop strong, mutually-beneficial relationships between local farmers and the communities they feed," Hochul said. "The new Fresh2You initiative will help ensure New Yorkers have more money to spend on healthy foods like dairy, meat, produce and more, while creating greater health outcomes, an economic boost to New York's farmers and a stronger food supply chain."

Under the plan, SNAP recipients shopping at participating farmers markets will receive $2 checks for every $2 spent, an increase from $2 for every $5 spent. Vendors selling SNAP-eligible food items at farmkers' markets may accept the FreshConnect Check and take part in the program.

The new matching plan will take effect April 15. Qualifying foods include dairy, produce, meat, fish and eggs as well as other items.

"We are excited to launch this new match program, understanding the significance of what this will mean to New York consumers and farmers alike," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball. "It will increase access to nutritious healthy foods, which will also have a direct benefit to our farmers and producers. I thank Governor Hochul for making this possible, and for her commitment to New York agriculture and strengthening the local food system."