Colorado residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are in luck. A new incentive program has been launched, allowing beneficiaries to receive a bonus when buying healthy food. This program, known locally as Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus, is part of a pilot project that is also being implemented in Louisiana and Washington.
Eating Healthier Will Give You More SNAP Benefits in Colorado
The main objective of this program is to encourage the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other healthy products, by automatically issuing a credit on the participants’ EBT card. This credit is equivalent to the amount spent on qualifying foods, which represents a big step towards promoting healthier eating among low-income families.
“The Colorado Department of Human Services is excited to be working with Nourish Colorado to implement this program. Thanks to our partnership, Colorado families can enjoy more of the nutritious foods they love,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes.
And he added with excitement: “This will be a benefit not only for families, but also for local retailers and farmers, since customers will be able to buy more products and more dollars destined for food will remain in the local economy.”
The most noteworthy thing about this new program is that current SNAP beneficiaries do not need to do any additional paperwork to participate. The bonus will be applied automatically, without the need to carry out any additional procedures, when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables at participating stores.
This means that every time a SNAP benefits user spends on healthy food, they will receive a refund on their EBT card, making nutritious eating more accessible.
Eligible Foods and Additional Bonuses at Farmers’ Markets
Participants may receive a refund for spending up to $20 per transaction on eligible products, with a maximum of $60 per month. It is important to note that there are no daily or weekly limits on the amount of transactions. This allows beneficiaries to make several small purchases throughout the month, or visit different stores on the same day, until reaching the monthly limit.
The $60 bonus balance is reset on the first day of each month, and will be available as long as there are funds for the program. This ensures that families can plan their purchases effectively, knowing that they will always have access to this incentive.
Modernizing SNAP with EBT Credits — The More Healthy Food, the More Money
Recent researches shows that SNAP benefits incentive programs are an effective way to promote healthy eating and improve nutritional security, said Mario Ramos, acting regional administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “The fact that SNAP participants receive credits on their EBT cards modernizes the program and makes it much easier for people to redeem their bonus dollars,” Ramos added.
Foods that qualify for this benefit include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as frozen products with no added salt, sugar, or fat. In addition, at farmers’ markets, participants can receive an additional bonus when buying dried fruits and vegetables, as well as dried beans, as long as they do not contain additives.
The impact of this program is not only limited to the health of families, but also has a positive effect on the local economy. By encouraging the purchase of fresh produce, you support local farmers and retailers, helping to keep dollars in the community.
Increased SNAP Benefits — How to Participate?
For those interested in participating, the CDS has published a list of the shops and markets that are part of the program on its website. This information is essential so that beneficiaries can make the most of the bonus.
In a context where food prices have increased considerably, this program represents a significant relief for many Colorado families. Not only does it allow them access to healthy foods at a reduced cost, but it also offers them the opportunity to improve their diet without compromising their budget.
The success of this pilot project could lead to its nationwide expansion, which would benefit millions of people who rely on SNAP to feed their families. At a time when nutrition and health are more important than ever, programs such as the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus are presented as an innovative and effective solution.
SNAP Benefits Allotments for 2024
With the arrival of every new fiscal year, the USDA has also adjusted the maximum allowances and eligibility standards for SNAP, which means that families will be able to receive higher benefits in many states. For households in Colorado, this translates into an increase in financial support, which combined with the new incentive program, promises to make a real difference in many people’s lives.
Here are the maximum allotments for SNAP in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (Oct. 2023 to Sep. 2024), according to the USDA website:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219