Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
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.
Timeline
2 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9581. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9581?
- H.R. 9581 was sponsored by Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7] (D-WA), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9581?
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (2 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Agriculture and Food
Improving Access to WIC Act
RAISE Act of 2026
Expressing support for the designation of October 4 through October 10, 2026, as "National 4-H Week".
Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act
More bills from Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2026
GREEN Hospitals Act
Green New Deal for Public Schools Act
Health Over Wealth Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.