Coloradans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now buy more healthy food thanks to an innovative new program.
Colorado is one of three states — along with Louisiana and Washington — that were chosen to pilot an electronic healthy incentive project, known locally as the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus program.
It immediately issues a credit — equal to the amount spent on qualifying fruits and vegetables — to a participant’s EBT card.
“The Colorado Department of Human Services [CDHS] is excited to work with Nourish Colorado to implement this program. Because of our partnership Colorado families can enjoy more of the nutritious foods that they love most,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes. “This will be a benefit for not only the families, but also for local retailers and farmers, as customers will be able to purchase more products, and more food dollars will stay in the local economy.”
SNAP recipients do not need to sign up to participate in the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus program. They will automatically receive their bonus when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables from participating locations.
SNAP participants will be reimbursed for spending up to $20 per transaction on eligible items, up to $60 per month. With no daily or weekly limit on the number of transactions, shoppers purchasing eligible items can visit multiple vendors in the same day and/or make small purchases every day up to the $60 total monthly limit.
The $60 bonus balance starts over on the first day of each month and will continue to be available monthly while funds are available. The bonus amount that SNAP participants receive through the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus program can be used to purchase any SNAP eligible item at any SNAP retail location.
Eligible foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as frozen fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar or fat. At farmers markets, participants can also receive a bonus for buying dried fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar or fat; and dried beans.
The Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus program is available at select farmers markets, as well as small to large food retailers across the state. More locations will be added in the coming years. A list of currently participating locations can be found on CDHS’s website.
