WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 829

An Act relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a year-round program that boosts SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables with a matching incentive loaded to EBT, funded by the new Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 829

Summary: An Act relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program (Senate Docket No. 829)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would create a year-round healthy incentives program to boost the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables by SNAP recipients. It would pair SNAP benefits redeemed for produce at participating vendors with a matching benefit deposited onto the recipient’s EBT card, subject to department-set limits. The administration and funding are centralized through a new Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund, with implementation and outreach coordinated across state agencies and community partners. The bill has been referred to committee and, as of status notes, the House has concurred.

Key provisions

  • Program operation and partners

    • The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), would operate the year-round healthy incentives program.
    • SNAP benefits used to purchase fruit and vegetables (fresh, canned, dried, or frozen) at participating vendors would entitle the recipient to a matching incentive, loaded to the recipient’s EBT card. The exact match amount and limits would be set by the department.
    • When expanding participating vendors, the department must prioritize areas with limited access to fresh, local produce and areas historically underserved by the program.
    • The department should collaborate with local food coalitions and nonprofit groups to design outreach strategies that promote equitable access and knowledge of the program.

  • Funding: the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund

    • A separate fund called the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund would be established and administered by the DTA commissioner.
    • The Fund would be financed from all revenues appropriated or received from public and private sources, including gifts, grants, donations, federal reimbursements, and other receipts aligned with program goals.

  • Federal opportunities

    • The DTA and its partners may apply for federal programs (e.g., the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program) to provide matching benefits, with those benefits deposited into the Fund.

  • Reporting and accountability

    • Annually, by January 31, the DTA must report on program activities to the House and Senate clerks, Ways and Means committees, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee, and the Agriculture committee, and must publish the report on the DTA website.
    • Required data include: number of participating households (including household size, age, and race), number of program transactions, number and names of vendors processing transactions, geographic breakdown by municipality, the number of vendors who applied but were not accepted due to funding or administrative shortages, plans and metrics for expanding access to underserved areas, and any recommendations to improve program performance.

  • Rules and regulations

    • The DTA is required to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the program.

Who is affected

  • SNAP beneficiaries in Massachusetts (and their ability to purchase fruits/vegetables with a matching incentive).
  • Participating and prospective vendors (retail grocers and other SNAP-accepting outlets).
  • Communities in areas identified as underserved or with limited access to fresh produce.
  • Local food coalitions, nonprofits, and public health organizations engaged in outreach and program design.
  • State agencies: DTA, DAR, DPH (in collaboration).

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Filed: January 14, 2025; Senate Docket No. 829.
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; House concurred on March 10, 2025.
  • Annual reporting deadline: January 31 each year.
  • Implementation would depend on regulation promulgation by the DTA and initial funding/partnerships.

Impact at a glance

  • Expands SNAP by adding a financial incentive for purchasing fruits and vegetables, potentially increasing produce consumption among SNAP households.
  • Creates a dedicated funding mechanism (Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund) to sustain the program and coordinate with federal and private sources.
  • Emphasizes equity by prioritizing underserved areas and requiring targeted outreach and vendor siting.
  • Enhances transparency through annual, detailed program reporting.

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

Sign in to ask a question.