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SF 232

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, and making an appropriation.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Raises $1,000,000 from general funds (2025-26) to DHHS via a grant to the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to support the Double Up Food Bucks program for SNAP users.

Subcommittee: Warme, Donahue, and Zumbach.
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Bill Summary · SF 232

SF 232 — Summary: Double Up Food Bucks Program Appropriation

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a targeted appropriation to support the Double Up Food Bucks program in Iowa.
  • The bill aligns with nutrition assistance goals by expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables for SNAP recipients at participating locations.

Key provisions

  • Funding and appropriation
    • Section 1 creates a supplemental appropriation from the General Fund to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.
    • Amount: $1,000,000, to be used in addition to any other funding for the same purpose in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
  • Use of funds
    • The $1,000,000 is designated to provide a grant to the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.
    • Purpose of the grant: to support the Double Up Food Bucks program.
  • Program scope and beneficiaries
    • The Double Up Food Bucks program facilitates access to fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, grocery stores, and other participating locations.
    • Eligibility for benefits: individuals and families who reside in Iowa and receive benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Who is affected

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (administration of the appropriation and program).
  • Iowa Healthiest State Initiative (recipient of the grant and program implementer).
  • SNAP participants in Iowa (primary beneficiaries of the program’s expanded access to produce).
  • Participating retailers and locations (farmers markets, grocery stores, and other outlets that accept Double Up Food Bucks).

Fiscal and timeline details

  • Fiscal year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
  • Funding source: General Fund of the State.
  • In addition to other existing funding for the program for the same fiscal year.
  • Legislative timeline:
    • Introduced: February 10, 2025.
    • Referred to Appropriations: February 11, 2025.
    • Subcommittee: Warme, Donahue, and Zumbach.
    • Committee report: February 10, 2025 (bill approved at committee level).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Expected impact: Increased access to healthy, fresh produce for low-income households participating in SNAP; potential positive effects on local agriculture and retail partners.
  • Administration: DHHS would oversee the appropriation and grant, with the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative administering the program aspects through the grant.
  • Reporting and accountability: While not detailed in the text, typical implementation would require grant reporting and program outcome data to evaluate reach and effectiveness.

Note: The bill includes an explanatory section clarifying that the explanation does not constitute agreement with the substance by general assembly members.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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