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S 3312Benefit Programs

Making an Appropriation of $4,800,000 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program

Appropriates $4.8 million to the SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program to provide low-income households with extra funds for fruits and vegetables.

Introduced38 Yea0 Nay0 Not voting
Population
Affected
28
Email Legislator
Introduced May 22, 2026Committee Senate Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes the appropriation of $4,800,000 from the Rhode Island state treasury to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program. The funding is specifically designated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and will be drawn from unappropriated funds in the treasury.

The Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program is a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to combat food insecurity and improve access to healthy, nutritious foods for low-income residents. It provides approximately 90,000 participating Rhode Island households with up to $25 in additional monthly benefits specifically earmarked for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. This financial incentive encourages healthier eating habits among vulnerable populations.

By securing this $4.8 million appropriation, the state aims to maintain a vital safety net for the estimated 144,000 SNAP recipients currently living in Rhode Island. The resolution formally directs the state controller to draw orders upon the general treasurer to distribute these funds upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, ensuring the continued operation and financial backing of the rewards program.

For younger readers

This bill gives $4.8 million to a state program that helps families buy healthy food. The program gives people who already get food assistance an extra $25 a month to spend specifically on fruits and vegetables. This money makes sure the program can keep helping people who need it.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups
SNAP recipients in Rhode IslandLow-income householdsLocal grocery stores and farmers marketsRhode Island taxpayers

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. The legislature has the clear constitutional authority to appropriate state funds for public welfare programs.

Estimated cost
$4,800,000
Estimated revenue
Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints
For Progressives
  • Directly addresses food insecurity for vulnerable populations and low-income households.
  • Promotes public health by incentivizing the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Provides direct financial assistance to approximately 144,000 SNAP recipients.
  • Supports a successful, first-of-its-kind statewide social safety net program.
  • The $25 monthly cap might be seen as too low to make a massive difference in high-cost food markets.
  • Funding is only a one-time appropriation for FY2027 rather than permanent, mandatory funding.
  • Does not address the systemic root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
For Conservatives
  • Encourages personal responsibility by specifically incentivizing healthy food choices rather than junk food.
  • Funds are targeted specifically to a defined program with authenticated vouchers, ensuring financial oversight.
  • May reduce long-term state healthcare costs by improving the diets and overall health of low-income residents.
  • Increases state spending by $4.8 million.
  • Expands the scope and cost of state-funded welfare programs.
  • Uses general treasury funds rather than relying solely on federal SNAP funding.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program is the first statewide program of its kind in the country; and

WHEREAS, The Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program provides approximately 90,0 Rhode Island households with up to $25 a month in additional benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, The Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program is a vital safety net for the approximately 144,0 SNAP recipients struggling with food insecurity and access to healthy, nutritious foods; and

WHEREAS, The Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program increases the amount of nutritious foods on the tables of our most vulnerable neighbors; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the sum of four million eight hundred thousand dollars ($4,800,000) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $4,800,0 TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) EAT WELL, BE WELL REWARDS PROGRAM *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $4,800,000 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.