SNAP Families Could Get an Extra $60 a Month Under New Bill
Summary
A new bill called the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act proposes giving low-income households an extra $60 each month to buy fruits and vegetables. The program would be run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and target families receiving SNAP benefits or those earning less than 80% of their local median income.Key Facts
- The bill was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal and nine other House members on July 2.
- The program would provide $60 monthly through electronic benefit cards or other state payment systems.
- Money from the program must be spent within 30 days on fresh, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables without added fat, sugar, or salt.
- Eligible items also include herbs and plant starts used to grow qualifying foods.
- Benefits can be used at farmers markets, grocery stores, farm stands, supermarkets, and other USDA-approved retailers.
- The program aims to improve diet quality and food security by encouraging healthier food purchases.
- The pilot is modeled after Seattle’s existing Fresh Bucks program, which improved food security and increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants.
- Applicants outside SNAP would fill out a simple application, with efforts to reduce paperwork and prevent benefit loss through easy renewals and support.
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