NOW PLAYING
(NEXSTAR) – Some families could start getting $60 a month in extra food assistance, a new bill introduced in July proposes.
The “Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce” Act would establish a pilot program that awards grants to states so they can give the extra grocery money to lower-income and moderate-income people. To qualify for increased benefits, households would need to earn 80% or less than the median income of their area.
SNAP recipients would qualify for an added monthly benefit, but those who don’t receive SNAP money could also apply.
Eligible households would then get an additional $60 on top of their usual monthly SNAP benefits loaded onto their EBT cards, or a new EBT card if they aren’t receiving food assistance already.
The $60 would need to be spent on fruit or vegetables, which can be fresh, frozen or dried.
Who would get the additional funding?
The bill proposes establishing a new grant program that would give certain states the extra funding to establish the pilot program. States would have to apply for the extra funding, and preference will be given to states that “prioritize food insecure communities,” the bill says.
If your state were to participate in the pilot program, then your household would be eligible to receive the extra $60 per month if you earn less than 80% of the area’s median income.
That income cap would vary greatly from place to place, from around $63,000 in Bismarck, North Dakota, to something like $113,000 in San Francisco, California. The exact income limits would be determined by the Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development.
The legislation was inspired by a pilot program in Seattle, which led to higher food security and participants having better access to produce, according to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who introduced the bill in Congress.
What happens next?
The bill has quite a few hurdles to overcome before it becomes law. It was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture after being introduced on July 2. Members of that committee now have the opportunity to review the bill and make changes before potentially introducing it to the whole House for a vote. Then it would be up to the Senate to pass it and the president to sign it.
Rep. Jayapal urged Congress to take swift action. “We must pass this legislation to expand the program nationwide and get families in every corner of the country healthy produce they can afford.”
An estimated 37 million Americans receive benefits under SNAP, previously called the Food Stamp Program. Recent changes have cut the number of people who qualify for food assistance, and more cuts could be on the way.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Pramila JayapalCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore News News
See All
State Watch Louisiana AG says state will investigate Fauci after Senate hearing by Tara Suter 48 minutes ago State Watch / 48 minutes ago 
