SB5583 establishes a state fruit and vegetable incentives program to benefit people who are food insecure, our agriculture industry and retailers across the state. The incentive program would provide the recipient with extra food benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and authorized grocery stores. Vouchers that were provided by a health care provider, health educator, community health worker, or other health professional could be used at an authorized farmers market or grocery store.
DSHS would administer the program. A number of requirements are specified in the bill related to the development and implementation of the program. They are also required to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated, the department would also distribute a fruit and vegetable benefit of no less than $30 per summer farmers market season to each eligible participant in the women, infant, and children farmers market nutrition program. To the extent federal funds are available they must be used to pay the benefit.
*Companion to 1587
