Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Help Working Families Afford Fresh Food

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is introducing the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, legislation to help families buy fresh fruits and vegetables modeled on a successful program launched in Jayapal's district.

"As families struggle to keep food on the table, Congress must prioritize work on efforts to lower costs and help Americans stay afloat," said Jayapal. "While Republicans in Congress enacted legislation to raise food prices and are hellbent on cutting food assistance, Seattle is once again leading the way with the Fresh Bucks program, which is successfully keeping people fed with nutritious food and reducing hunger. We must pass this legislation to expand the program nationwide and get families in every corner of the country healthy produce they can afford."

The Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act would establish a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give families making 80 percent or less of their area's median income $60 per month to spend on produce. The program is modeled after a successful program created by the City of Seattle, which has led to a 31 percent higher food security rate and encouraged healthy habits, with participants having at least three servings of fruits and vegetables a day 37 percent more often.

"The International Fresh Produce Association is grateful to Representative Jayapal for introducing the Fresh Bucks for Produce Act to make fruits and vegetables more accessible to income-eligible individuals. This type of intervention empowers consumers to access the fruits and vegetables that are right for their families and in retail locations that work for them. Minimizing barriers to fresh fruit and vegetable consumption means making the healthy choice the easy choice - and this bill would do just that." Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President, Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Produce Association.

"In White Center and historically underinvested communities across King County, we see every day how rising grocery costs continue to strain working families, seniors, immigrants, and households already navigating increasing housing and living expenses. Access to healthy, culturally relevant food should not be determined by income-it should not be considered a luxury. At WCCDA, we believe thriving communities require systems that make healthy food accessible, affordable, and attainable-and that investments in food access are investments in community health, economic stability, and opportunity. We strongly support Congresswoman Jayapal's leadership in advancing innovative solutions that respond to the realities families face today while strengthening local food systems and neighborhood businesses that give us our vibrancy. Expanding the proven Seattle Fresh Bucks model through a federal pilot offers an opportunity to increase food security, support local producers and retailers, and help communities across the country build healthier, more resilient futures," said Aaron Garcia, WCCDA Executive Director.

"Older adults across King County are facing impossible choices as grocery prices continue to rise. Seattle's Fresh Bucks program has had a substantial impact on our clients' health and quality of life: we have seen firsthand how a targeted produce benefit can increase health equity, improve food security, and keep food dollars circulating locally. A USDA pilot modeled on that success would be a meaningful step toward healthier households and stronger community food systems nationwide," said Adam Porter, Director, Meals on Wheels, Sound Generations.

"We are excited for Representative Jayapal's proposed pilot to bring more fresh produce to our neighbors. Fruits and vegetables remain the most shopped for and most requested items at our three pantries. This pilot will help our customer families find more healthy produce options that meet their specific needs and also, importantly, expand support for our local food system. Small local farms are a critical partner in our work and in our food supply. This pilot will help our community increase the investment in local food and in building a stronger local food system while nourishing our neighbors," said Joe Gruber, Executive Director, University District Food Bank.

"Food insecurity is driven not only by a lack of food, but by the rising cost of healthy food," said Food Lifeline CEO Stephen Davis."This proposal builds on a proven model by helping families afford fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and food businesses. We applaud Congresswoman Jayapal for advancing an evidence-based approach that helps families put nutritious food on the table while strengthening local food systems."

The legislation is sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

It is also endorsed by Alimentando al Pueblo; Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition; Ballard Food Bank; Center for Biological Diversity; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture; Farm Action Fund; Food & Water Watch; Food Lifeline; International Fresh Produce Association; Lifelong Health for All; National Education Association; Northwest Harvest; Organically Grown Company; Pacific Islander Community Association of WA; Sound Generations; Southwest Youth & Family Services; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Tilth Alliance; United Way of King County; University District Food Bank; Washington State Community Action Partnership; White Center Community Development Association; White Center Food Bank.

Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy