Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act

The Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act establishes a five-year pilot program where the Department of Agriculture provides grants to states to offer monthly $60 payments to low-income households for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. To qualify, households must earn 80 percent or less of the area median income, though those already receiving SNAP benefits can enroll with minimal paperwork. The funds can only be used at specific retailers like farmers markets and grocery stores to buy fresh produce, and states must use these grants to cover administrative costs and support local community organizations. The bill requires states to prioritize food-insecure areas and ensures geographic diversity by awarding grants to at least one state in each major U.S. region. Additionally, the program mandates a study to collect data on participant outcomes and barriers to access, with final results and recommendations for expansion due within five years.