A new federal proposal could provide eligible households with an additional $60 each month to buy fruits and vegetables, creating a potential expansion of food assistance beyond traditional SNAP benefits.
The Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, introduced in Congress in July 2026, would create a pilot grant program allowing participating states to provide the extra support to qualifying families. The proposal would include current SNAP recipients and some households that do not receive existing food assistance.
Under the plan, approved families would receive the additional money through their EBT cards, or through a separate EBT card if they are not already enrolled in SNAP. The funds would be restricted to purchases of qualifying produce, including fresh, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables.
The proposal arrives as lawmakers continue debating how to address food affordability and access across the United States. Supporters argue that helping families purchase healthier food could improve nutrition while reducing barriers to fresh produce.
How the Fresh Produce Benefit Would Work for Eligible Households
According to The Hill, the proposed program would not automatically apply nationwide. Instead, the bill would create a grant system through which states could apply for federal funding to launch their own pilot programs.
Families living in participating states would need to meet specific income requirements to receive the additional monthly benefit. The proposed threshold would be households earning 80% or less of their area’s median income.
Because median incomes vary significantly across the country, eligibility levels would differ depending on location. A household income limit could be around $63,000 in places such as Bismarck, North Dakota, while a higher-cost area like San Francisco, California, could have a limit closer to $113,000.
The exact income calculations would be determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development if the program moves forward.
The benefit would focus specifically on produce purchases rather than general grocery spending. Families receiving the funds would be able to use them for fruits and vegetables in several forms, including frozen and dried options.
Bill Faces Several Steps before Becoming a Nationwide Program
The proposed legislation remains in the early stages of the federal process and would need approval from multiple parts of the government before reaching families.
After being introduced on July 2, 2026, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. Committee members can review the proposal, suggest changes and decide whether it should advance for consideration by the full House.
If approved by the House, the legislation would then need to pass the Senate before reaching the president for final approval. Each stage could affect the program’s design, funding structure and eligibility rules.
Rep. Jayapal has called on lawmakers to move quickly, saying the measure would help expand access to affordable produce for families across the country.
The proposal comes as millions of Americans continue to rely on food assistance programs. Around 37 million people currently receive support through SNAP, which was previously known as the Food Stamp Program.
The future of the bill will depend on congressional negotiations, but the proposal places renewed attention on how federal programs can support food access and nutrition for American households.
