Missouri cut aid for fruit and vegetable purchases after SNAP junk food push
The cut could limit expansion in Missouri, even as the program secured a three-year, $5 million federal grant, officials said.
- Missouri lawmakers eliminated $2 million in state funding for Double Up Food Bucks in the budget passed earlier this month, leaving the nutrition program's future contingent on Gov. Mike Kehoe's signature.
- The funding cut contradicts lawmakers' earlier legislative push to restrict sugary food purchases through SNAP, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved in December; Democratic state Rep. Ian Mackey of St. Louis pointed to that contradiction during House budget debate.
- Double Up Food Bucks, run by the Mid-America Regional Council, allows SNAP recipients to double produce purchases at participating stores and had secured a three-year, $5 million federal grant in September 2025 using state funding as matching support.
- Without state money, the program cannot expand to northern Missouri or enter new grocery store contracts, though market manager Paula Stocker and grocer Dan Shaul credited it with improving customer loyalty and produce quality.
- Director Donna Martin said federal funding for produce incentive programs faces mounting competition as Congress has not passed a farm bill since 2018, leaving programs like Double Up Food Bucks dependent on temporary measures.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Missouri cut aid for fruit and vegetable purchases, after pushing SNAP junk food ban
Missouri lawmakers passed a state budget that zeroes out funding for Double Up Food Bucks, which helps low-income families use SNAP to afford more fresh produce. It comes after Republican legislators pushed to limit SNAP purchases of candy and sugary drinks in order to improve nutrition.
Missouri drops produce aid after push to restrict SNAP purchases
(Missouri Independent) – Missouri lawmakers spent part of this year’s legislative session arguing that the state should steer low-income families away from buying candy, soda, and desserts with public benefits. Then they passed a budget that eliminates $2 million for a program designed to help those same families buy more fruits and vegetables. Double Up […] The post Missouri drops produce aid after push to restrict SNAP purchases appeared first…
Missouri cut aid for fruit and vegetable purchases after SNAP junk food push - Stateline Publications
The Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables, has more than 70 participating grocery stores and farmers markets in Missouri (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent).Missouri lawmakers spent part of this year’s legislative session arguing that the state should steer low-income families away from buying candy, soda and desserts with public benefits. Then they passed a budget that eliminates $…
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