PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB552

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB552

Introduced
3/28/23  

Caption

In public assistance, establishing the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program.

Impact

This bill will amend the existing Human Services Code to formally introduce the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program. By implementing this program, the state hopes to enhance the purchasing power of SNAP recipients, thereby encouraging healthier dietary choices among low-income populations. In addition to dietary benefits, the program is expected to bolster local economies by promoting the sale of Pennsylvania-grown food products, thus supporting local farmers and small businesses. Through this initiative, a more comprehensive approach to public welfare and nutrition within the state can be achieved.

Summary

Senate Bill 552 aims to establish the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program, which is designed to provide incentive benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program encourages SNAP users to purchase targeted food items by offering them financial benefits. Specifically, for every dollar of SNAP benefits redeemed, participants can receive an additional forty cents for eligible food items, which includes a range of fruits and vegetables. This initiative is part of an effort to improve the nutrition of low-income families while supporting local farmers and retailers in Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The sentiment toward SB552 appears to be generally positive among supporters, including local advocates for hunger relief and nutritional health. Proponents argue that the program will not only enhance food security for low-income families but will also create a synergistic economic effect by increasing the sales of local farmers and producers. However, there could also be concerns regarding the program's funding and administrative efficiency, with calls for ensuring that the allocated resources effectively reach the intended beneficiaries.

Contention

While SB552 presents a beneficial framework for both SNAP recipients and local agricultural communities, discussion points around the bill also highlight concerns about monitoring and evaluation. Some lawmakers may inquire about the long-term sustainability of the funding sources and the ability of nonprofit organizations to successfully administer the program. Ensuring that these organizations meet specified criteria and effectively encourage the purchase of healthier food options will be crucial to the program's success.

Latest SB552 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB560

In public assistance, establishing the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program.

PA HB1096

Establishing the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program and the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Account; and providing for research on Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.

PA HB2357

Establishing the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program and the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Account; and making an appropriation.

PA HSB216

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including a waiver for eligible foods, and making an appropriation.(See HF 796, HF 970.)

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA HCR0014

A concurrent resolution to urge the federal government to increase funding for Double Up Food Bucks programs.

PA HF796

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program and making appropriations and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 216; See HF 970.)

PA HF970

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program and making appropriations and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 796, HSB 216.)

PA SR171

Urging The National Institute Of Food And Agriculture Of The United States Department Of Agriculture To Issue Additional Funding For The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program To Provide Matching Funds For The Expansion Of The State Double Up Food Bucks Program To All Approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retail Outlets Throughout The State.

PA HCR38

Urging The National Institute Of Food And Agriculture Of The United States Department Of Agriculture To Issue Additional Funding For The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program To Provide Matching Funds For The Expansion Of The State Double Up Food Bucks Program To All Approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retail Outlets Throughout The State.

Similar Bills

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA SR108

Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.

PA HB179

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB997

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB297

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB463

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB2273

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.

PA HB364

Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.