Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act

This legislation establishes the Fresh Bucks Pilot Program , to be implemented by the Secretary of Agriculture, which will award grants to States. These grants are intended to fund monthly payments to eligible households, enabling them to purchase fresh, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables, herbs, and plant starts. The program aims to connect households with produce in their communities, with a focus on reaching low-access areas and expanding retailer participation. To qualify for payments, households must have an income at or below 80 percent of the area median income, with SNAP recipients automatically deemed eligible. Payments are set at $60 per month , are non-transferable, and must be used within a 30-day period, supplementing rather than supplanting other benefits. States receiving grants will use funds for administrative costs, technical assistance to eligible retailers, and data collection, prioritizing applications that serve food insecure communities and ensuring geographic diversity across regions. The bill mandates a comprehensive study to assess the program's effectiveness, collecting data on household demographics, food security, fruit and vegetable consumption, and barriers to access. The Secretary must submit an initial report to Congress within 12 months and a final report within five years, including recommendations on the program's continuation or expansion. The Fresh Bucks Pilot Program is set to terminate five years after its enactment.