Jayapal Proposes Federal Fresh Bucks Program to Combat Food Insecurity

The proposed Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act would establish a pilot program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, granting households earning 80% or less of their area’s median income $60 per month for produce. The model draws from Seattle’s existing program, which recent University of Washington research linked to a 31% increase in food security and a significant rise in daily fruit and vegetable consumption.

Adam Porter, director of Meals on Wheels at Sound Generations, noted that the initiative provides a necessary buffer for older adults facing impossible financial choices. Supporters of the bill, including the National Education Association and the Southern Poverty Law Center, argue that the program offers a scalable solution to improve health equity and strengthen local food systems.

Jayapal, joined by several Democratic co-sponsors, framed the legislation as a direct response to congressional budget cuts impacting federal food assistance. She emphasized that the program aims to ensure that access to nutritious food remains a standard, not a luxury, for working families across the country.