Proposal to Give $60 for Families to Buy Fruits and Vegetables

A new bill in the United States seeks to distribute an additional $60 per month to millions of families. The money would be intended exclusively for the purchase of fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods, as an effort to combat food insecurity.

The initiative, known as the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, was introduced in July by Democratic congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. The program would not only help current food assistance recipients, but also certain middle-class households.

For the Latino community, frequently affected by rising supermarket prices, this assistance would represent a significant monthly relief. If the plan advances in Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be responsible for administering it through state grants.

Who Would Qualify for This Benefit?

The central requirement to receive the $60 monthly depends on the household’s income level. The law establishes that families must earn an income equivalent to or less than 80% of the median income in their area of residence. Given that the cost of living varies greatly between cities, the income limit will not be the same across the country. For example, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the limit would be around $63,000, while in San Francisco, California, it would exceed $113,000 annually.

A key advantage of the bill is that it is not reserved solely for current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Eligible households that already receive SNAP will have the additional funds deposited directly on their current EBT card. Families that meet the income limit but do not currently receive food stamps can also apply. In their case, the state government will provide them with a new exclusive EBT card to manage and use this monthly nutritional benefit.

What Products Can Be Purchased?

The law is very strict about the type of food that can be purchased with these federal funds. The extra money must be used exclusively for fruits and vegetables, whether fresh, frozen, or dehydrated, without added sugars or fats.

The program will also allow the purchase of fresh herbs and plants designed to grow food. This measure aims to promote home gardens that can provide fresh produce in a more sustainable and economical way for households themselves.

The bill specifies that purchases must be made only at previously approved and authorized establishments. The funds have a monthly validity of 30 days, acting as a nutritional supplement, not as a replacement for food income.

Where Does This Initiative Come From?

The nationally proposed bill is directly inspired by a successful program