PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB560

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB560

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

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

Impact

Through the implementation of the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program, SB560 has the potential to positively influence state laws surrounding public assistance and nutrition programs. By incentivizing SNAP benefits for healthy food purchases, the program could lead to improvements in public health and nutrition among low-income families. Additionally, it may encourage economic activity within Pennsylvania by directing SNAP spending towards local farmers and food markets, thereby enhancing local agricultural markets and food systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 560, introduced in Pennsylvania, seeks to establish the Pennsylvania Preferred® Food Bucks Program, which provides benefit incentives for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when they purchase targeted food items. The program aims to promote healthier food choices and support local agriculture by encouraging SNAP recipients to redeem their benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables, whether they are fresh, frozen, canned, or dried without added sugars or salts. This initiative reflects an effort to bolster food security while also benefiting farmers and local food retailers throughout the Commonwealth.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB560 appears to be largely supportive among advocacy groups and legislators who prioritize health and nutrition. There is an acknowledgment that the program can foster both healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients and benefit local producers. However, some critiques may arise regarding the specifics of program administration, including concerns about the efficiency of fund allocation and the inclusion of diverse food retailers.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB560 may stem from its structure for administering the program and selecting grant applicants. There may be debates around the criteria for nonprofit organizations to qualify for the administration of the program, particularly regarding their capacity to market and deliver benefits efficiently. Furthermore, while the bill emphasizes prioritizing Pennsylvania-grown agricultural products, ensuring accessibility for all SNAP recipients while balancing support for local agriculture may also be contentious, as some areas may not have access to such retailers.

Latest SB560 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB552

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

PA HB2357

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

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 HB2420

Establishing the Keystone Fresh Program; providing for the Fresh Schools Grant Program, for the Keystone Producer Grant Program, for the Keystone Assistance Grant Program and for the administration of the Keystone Fresh Program by the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture; and establishing the Keystone Fresh Fund.

PA HB580

Providing for the Fresh Food Financing Initiative; establishing the Fresh Food Financing Initiative Restricted Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

PA HB1922

Establishing the Pennsylvania Lease Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program and the Pennsylvania Lease Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program Fund.

PA SB795

Establishing the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program.

PA HB224

Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.

PA HB143

Establishing the Pennsylvania Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

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 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 HB179

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 HB552

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