Pashinski plan boosting SNAP dollars included in Pa. budget
$2 million nutrition incentive program to provide benefit incentives for fruits and vegetables
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski November 13, 2025 | 4:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, today celebrated the passage of a state budget that includes $2 million for his plan establishing a statewide program providing benefit incentives to SNAP recipients purchasing qualifying fruits and vegetables.
The incentive program included in the state’s Fiscal Code is similar to Pashinski’s H.B. 1096, which passed the House June 3 with bipartisan support. Pashinski noted that similar programs have been passed and implemented in other states and have been shown to improve diets through increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
"This is a much-needed win for our SNAP recipients who have faced a difficult time during the recent federal government shutdown,” Pashinski said. “SNAP nutrition incentive programs like this can reduce hunger, support local farmers and retailers, and improve the health of Pennsylvanians. I want to thank my colleagues and the advocates who worked with me to advance this concept – as well as the Shapiro administration for getting this program across the finish line – helping our neighbors’ benefits go further and bolstering our agricultural economy.”
In addition to the $2 million in state funds appropriated in the budget, matching dollars may be available from the federal government to stretch these investments even further.
Pashinski’s proposal was supported by Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and The Food Trust – a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to delicious, nutritious food for all.
“By focusing on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and giving participants at least 40 cents in additional value for every dollar of SNAP benefits spent at eligible retailers, this approach encourages people to choose fresh produce rather than forcing them,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “It’s a smarter way to get better results, with less red tape, less government overreach, and more respect for Pennsylvanians who rely on the program.”
"Feeding Pennsylvania is thrilled to see investments made to support Pennsylvania's anti-hunger and nutrition programs," said Julie Bancroft, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania grows enough food to feed its citizens but many lack the financial resources to regularly put food on the table. Food Bucks, as well as additional investments in the State Food Purchase Program and Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System will strengthen the connection between farms, food banks and families, ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to healthy food that helps them thrive."
"This is a historic investment in nutrition security for Pennsylvania,” said Mark Edwards, president and CEO of The Food Trust. “Our Food Bucks model is not only proven to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, but also boost sales for local farmers and businesses and reduce healthcare costs. The Food Trust’s network of farmers and retail partners is primed to sustain and grow this program so that no Pennsylvania family has to choose between eating healthy and eating enough.