WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski on Tuesday praised the passage of House Bill 1096, which would create a statewide Pennsylvania Food Bucks program aimed at improving access to fresh produce for low-income families while supporting the state’s agricultural economy.
The program would provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with additional benefits—called “Food Bucks”—when they buy qualifying fruits and vegetables at participating stores. For every dollar spent, shoppers would receive at least 40 cents in extra benefits to spend on fresh produce.
“This bill helps fight hunger, supports our farmers, and improves public health,” said Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. “At a time when many families are struggling, this program will help put nutritious food on their tables.”
Under the bill, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit would run the program. Incentives would come in the form of paper or digital coupons issued during checkout when customers use SNAP or EBT cards. Similar efforts in other states have shown positive results, including higher fruit and vegetable consumption.
The initiative has drawn strong support from across the food sector. Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and The Food Trust all endorsed the bill.
Mark Edwards, president and CEO of The Food Trust, called the program a “triple win” for families, farmers, and the economy. “As families buy more local produce, farmers expand their customer base and grow their businesses,” he said.
Alex Baloga, head of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, said the program also benefits retailers. “It increases produce sales and SNAP traffic, while strengthening ties between stores and their communities,” he said.
Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania, added that access to fresh food leads to better long-term outcomes. “This isn’t a partisan issue. Nutritious food helps reduce healthcare costs and improve lifetime earnings. It makes our communities healthier.”
In addition to state funding, the program may also qualify for federal matching dollars, making the investment go further.
House Bill 1096 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
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