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H 7258Benefit Programs

H7258 - Rhode Island 2026

Appropriates $200,000 to Farm Fresh RI to double SNAP benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.

Held for study
Population
Affected
35
Email Legislator
Introduced Jan 21, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a $200,000 appropriation from the state treasury for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the Farm Fresh Rhode Island Bonus Bucks Program. The funds will be directed to Farm Fresh RI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the local food system and supporting both farmers and consumers in the region.

The Bonus Bucks Program serves as a nutrition incentive initiative that doubles the value of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when spent on fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. By matching these benefits dollar-for-dollar, the program aims to make nutritious, locally grown food more accessible and affordable for low-income families across the state.

In addition to assisting low-income residents, the program supports the local agricultural economy by restricting the use of Bonus Bucks to products grown by small-scale agricultural producers. The initiative currently operates at numerous seasonal farmers markets and farmstands statewide, benefiting over a hundred local farms and food producers.

For younger readers

This bill gives $200,000 to a program called Bonus Bucks. This program helps families who don't have a lot of money buy healthy food by doubling the value of their food assistance when they shop at local farmers markets. It helps both families get fresh fruits and vegetables and local farmers sell their crops.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups
Low-income familiesSNAP recipientsLocal farmersFarmers market operatorsFarm Fresh RI

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low

Estimated cost
$200,000
Estimated revenue
Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints
For Progressives
  • Increases access to healthy, fresh food for low-income families.
  • Supports local, small-scale farmers and sustainable agriculture.
  • Leverages state funds to maximize the impact of federal SNAP benefits.
  • Promotes public health and nutrition equity by making fresh produce affordable.
  • $200,000 may not be enough to meet the statewide demand for food assistance.
  • Relies on a non-governmental nonprofit to administer essential food aid.
  • Only applies to specific participating outlets, potentially leaving out families who cannot easily travel to farmers markets.
For Conservatives
  • Directly supports local small businesses and the state's agricultural economy.
  • Incentivizes healthy eating choices rather than restricting what SNAP recipients can buy.
  • Utilizes an established nonprofit with a proven track record rather than creating a new government bureaucracy.
  • Increases state spending by $200,000.
  • Directs taxpayer funds to a private 501(c)(3) organization.
  • Expands welfare-related subsidies beyond the federal SNAP baseline.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, Farm Fresh is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to grow a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life for farmers and eaters in our region; and

WHEREAS, The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families in order to supplement their grocery budget so that they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Farm Fresh RI established Bonus Bucks in 2009 as a Nutrition Incentive Program that doubles the value of federal SNAP benefits spent in the State of Rhode Island by matching benefits dollar-for-dollar for fresh fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, Bonus Bucks funds are restricted to the use specifically for purchasing fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown by small scale agricultural producers, resulting in both a direct health benefit to low-income Rhode Islanders while supporting the local agricultural economy; and

WHEREAS, The Farm Fresh RI Bonus Bucks Program has grown in scale to operate at over 27 year round local seasonal farmers markets and farmstands statewide, benefits 108 local farms and 117 locally owned and operated food producers; and distributed over $1.7 million in Bonus Bucks since 2009; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to Farm Fresh RI to administer the Bonus Bucks Program; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,0 TO BE USED FOR INCENTIVES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING BONUS BUCKS OUTLETS IN RHODE ISLAND *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $200,000 for incentives for the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program.