Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act
Latest action (2 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9581, the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a five-year pilot program awarding grants to states to help low-income households buy fresh, frozen, or dried produce, herbs, and edible plant starts. States receiving grants would set up programs to provide eligible households a recurring $60 monthly payment, usable within 30 days at farmers markets, independent grocers, farm stands, supermarkets, and similar retailers, distributed via electronic benefit cards. The Secretary would establish selection criteria, give preference to food-insecure communities, and ensure at least one grant goes to a state in each of five regions (Pacific Northwest, Northeast, Western, Midwest, and Southern).
The program would affect households earning 80% or less of area median income, with SNAP recipients automatically qualifying and states required to simplify enrollment and reduce paperwork. States would need to design low-barrier applications, coordinate with community organizations and clinics, and support retailer participation, including in low-access areas.
USDA would study the program's effects on food security, produce consumption, spending patterns, and access barriers, reporting initial findings to Congress within 6–12 months and final results, with recommendations on continuing or expanding the program, within five years. The program would then terminate unless further action is taken. The bill was introduced July 2, 2026, and referred to the House Agriculture Committee; no further action has occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 2, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9581 do?
- H.R. 9581, the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a five-year pilot program awarding grants to states to help low-income households buy fresh, frozen, or dried produce, herbs, and edible plant starts. States receiving grants would set up programs to provide eligible households a recurring $60 monthly payment, usable within 30 days at farmers markets, independent grocers, farm stands, supermarkets, and similar retailers, distributed via electronic benefit cards. The Secretary would establish selection criteria, give preference to food-insecure communities, and ensure at least one grant goes to a state in each of five regions (Pacific Northwest, Northeast, Western, Midwest, and Southern). The program would affect households earning 80% or less of area median income, with SNAP recipients automatically qualifying and states required to simplify enrollment and reduce paperwork. States would need to design low-barrier applications, coordinate with community organizations and clinics, and support retailer participation, including in low-access areas. USDA would study the program's effects on food security, produce consumption, spending patterns, and access barriers, reporting initial findings to Congress within 6–12 months and final results, with recommendations on continuing or expanding the program, within five years. The program would then terminate unless further action is taken. The bill was introduced July 2, 2026, and referred to the House Agriculture Committee; no further action has occurred.
- Has H.R. 9581 become law?
- Not yet. As of 2 Jul 2026, H.R. 9581 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9581?
- H.R. 9581 was sponsored by Rep. Pramila Jayapal [D-WA7] (Democrat-WA), with 12 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9581?
- Introduced (2 Jul 2026).
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