Modernizing SNAP: Colorado Launches New Healthy Incentive Project

On Aug. 1, Colorado launched their SNAP Produce Bonus program, thanks to a $7.9 million grant from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to test a new delivery model for healthy food purchase incentives offered to SNAP participants. In June 2023, Colorado, Louisiana, and Washington were awarded a total of $25 million to test Electronic Healthy Incentives Projects, or eHIP.

eHIP aims to streamline incentive delivery and make it easier for SNAP households to access the healthy foods necessary for lifelong health and well-being. Participating state projects focused on upgrading SNAP systems to make incentive dollars available to participants via their EBT cards, targeting a variety of small and independent stores, farmers markets, retail chains and locally grown foods.

Colorado is the second state, after Washington, to launch their program, which offers a dollar-for dollar match on qualifying fruits and vegetables. This means that for every dollar spent on these nutritious options, SNAP participants will receive a credit back to their EBT account, up to $20 per transaction and $60 per month. This credit can be used for future purchases on any SNAP-eligible items, making it easier for families to fill their grocery carts with healthier choices.

Colorado's SNAP Produce Bonus is rolling out at a variety of food retailers and select farmers markets across the state, with more locations joining soon. You can find a list of participating spots on the Colorado Department of Human Services website. No sign-up is required. SNAP participants in Colorado will automatically receive the incentive when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations.

Research shows that SNAP incentive programs are an effective way to promote healthy eating and improve nutrition security. One study revealed that SNAP participants who received fruit and vegetable incentives consumed 26% more fruits and vegetables per day than nonparticipants. By delivering incentives via EBT, more incentive dollars are expected to reach SNAP participants.