SNAP cuts mean fewer dollars for fresh produce
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A reduction in SNAP benefits is cutting off some Iowa families from earning extra dollars for fresh produce through a popular healthy food program.
Why it matters: Families relying on SNAP are facing a double setback — partial access to their regular benefits, which results in fewer Double Up Food Bucks earned for fresh fruits and vegetables.
How it works: When shoppers use SNAP dollars to buy fresh produce, they can earn an equal amount, up to $15 per day, on their Double Up Food Bucks card, says Jazzmine Brooks of Healthiest State Initiative, which operates Iowa's program.
- If someone spends $5 on fruit using their SNAP card, $5 is added to their separate DUFB card.
- DUFB dollars can then be used for fresh produce at local retailers, including farmers markets, Fareway and Hy-Vee.
- The program is funded through federal grants and operates in more than 25 states.
The latest: The Trump administration on Monday announced it plans to partially fund SNAP benefits, but it's unclear when that will happen.
Between the lines: Families can still earn DUFB money if they have a leftover SNAP balance.
- Money earned on the DUFB card lasts until the end of the year.
The big picture: Nearly 30,000 people were helped by DUFB and spent over $383,000 in fresh produce last year, Brooks says.
The bottom line: Healthiest State Initiative is fundraising $14,000 on GoFundMe to help provide emergency DUFB funds to families.