WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are considering legislation that would provide a $60 monthly benefit specifically for fresh produce, aimed at expanding access to nutritious food for low-income and working families across the United States.
Under the bill, families already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would automatically qualify for the added monthly benefit.
The bill also extends eligibility beyond existing SNAP recipients. Households not currently receiving SNAP can apply if their income falls at or below 80 percent of the median income for their area — a threshold that would cover working families who earn too much for traditional SNAP but still struggle to afford fresh produce.
Nearly 60 percent of Americans enrolled in SNAP are either children under 18 or adults 60 and older. About one in five non-elderly adults receiving SNAP has a disability. Fewer than 10 percent of all SNAP recipients are able-bodied adults without children between the ages of 19 and 49.
Working families make up a substantial share of the program's current caseload. About 55 percent of SNAP households with children include at least one employed adult, reflecting the program's role as a wage supplement rather than a last resort.
The $60 monthly allocation would be restricted to fruits and vegetables, directly increasing purchasing power for fresh produce as food costs remain elevated.
The bill does not specify a funding mechanism or an implementation timeline. Congress continues to review the legislation.
