Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act Aims to Add $60 Monthly to SNAP Benefits

A bill introduced in early July proposes a pilot program that would grant an additional $60 each month to households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as well as to low- and moderate-income families not currently enrolled in SNAP. The extra amount must be used to purchase fruit or vegetables—fresh, frozen, or dried—and would be loaded onto existing EBT cards or a new card for non-SNAP participants.

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To qualify, a household must earn at or below 80 % of the median income for its locality. Because median incomes differ widely, the income ceiling ranges from roughly $63,000 in Bismarck, North Dakota, to about $113,000 in San Francisco, California. The bill creates a grant program that allocates federal funds to states that apply, giving preference to those that “prioritize food-insecure communities.” State agencies would administer the $60 top-up, coordinating with the Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development to set precise income thresholds.

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The legislation draws inspiration from a Seattle pilot that reportedly improved food security and increased participants’ access to produce. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) introduced the measure, citing the Seattle experience as evidence that targeted produce assistance can yield measurable health benefits for low-income families.

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Rep. Jayapal has urged swift congressional action, arguing that expanding the program nationwide would help families across the country afford healthier foods. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on July 2, where committee members will review and potentially amend the proposal before it could advance to the full House, the Senate, and ultimately the president’s desk.

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If enacted, the pilot could provide thousands of families with a dedicated monthly allowance for fruits and vegetables, potentially reducing diet-related health disparities. The program’s success will depend on state participation, the adequacy of grant funding, and legislative progress through the House and Senate. The timeline for a full vote remains uncertain, pending committee deliberations.

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