May 13, 2025

Fresh Access Bucks Program in Jeopardy Amid SNAP Cuts

News Summary

The Fresh Access Bucks program providing funds for SNAP recipients to buy local produce is threatened by proposed cuts to SNAP in Congress. These reductions could significantly impact food assistance efforts and local farmers, particularly as areas like Tampa face rising food costs. Currently, the program has aided over 400 farmers and allowed SNAP users to spend nearly $600,000 on fresh produce this year. Experts warn that cuts could exacerbate food insecurity rates and limit access to healthy food options for vulnerable populations.

Tampa, Florida – The Fresh Access Bucks program, which provides additional funds for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase locally sourced produce, is facing uncertainty as significant cuts to SNAP are under consideration in Congress. These proposed budget reductions threaten to undermine the program’s ability to support both local farmers and food assistance efforts across the state.

Joel Chudnow, a Tampa resident, recently filled his groceries at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, selecting from a variety of fresh produce such as kale, sweet bell peppers, salad mix, and scallions. His $50 grocery haul was made possible by the Fresh Access Bucks program, which allows SNAP participants to access an equal dollar-for-dollar match, effectively doubling their purchasing power at eligible markets. In 2023 alone, SNAP recipients have used Fresh Access Bucks to spend nearly $600,000 on fresh produce.

However, the continued viability of the Fresh Access Bucks program is now in jeopardy as Congress deliberates cuts to SNAP that could total at least $230 billion. Proposed measures include narrowing eligibility and enforcing tougher work requirements for beneficiaries. If these proposals come to fruition, they would significantly diminish the economic power SNAP consumers possess, potentially reducing their ability to shop at community stores and farmers’ markets.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the Fresh Access Bucks program, which enhances SNAP recipients’ access to farm-fresh goods at farmers’ markets, community grocery stores, and other local produce outlets. In these markets, customers who use SNAP benefits receive silver tokens for standard purchases and green tokens specifically for locally sourced produce, enabling them to support local agriculture while maintaining access to nutritious food options.

More than 400 farmers across 33 Florida counties benefit from the Fresh Access Bucks initiative. The program not only promotes healthy dietary choices but also aids in stimulating the local economy by allowing farmers to redeem the tokens for cash through checks provided by federal government funding.

Robin Safley, CEO of Feeding Florida, has raised alarms regarding the potential cuts to SNAP. If such reductions are enacted, it could exacerbate food insecurity rates among vulnerable populations who rely on these benefits for their sustenance. Already, areas such as Tampa and St. Petersburg have been experiencing significant spikes in food costs since March 2024, complicating access to affordable and healthy food options.

Community efforts to enhance food accessibility in underserved areas, such as Kelli Casto’s Your Neighborhood Produce, aim to mitigate these effects. The store accepts various forms of grocery assistance, including SNAP and Fresh Access Bucks, making fresh food more attainable for those in need. The presence of such stores is crucial at a time when many individuals face increasing challenges in accessing affordable and healthy food.

Last year, Florida’s SNAP program contributed over $6.5 billion to the state’s economy, benefiting both small and large retailers who serve these communities. Many patrons at local farmers’ markets are reliant on SNAP assistance for their purchases. Cuts to these benefits could lead to a significant rise in food insecurity and shift consumers toward less healthy food choices, ultimately undermining the goals of programs like Fresh Access Bucks.

Chudnow underscored the potential personal impact of any reductions, noting that losing access to enhanced SNAP benefits would force residents to reduce their spending on healthier food options. Thus, cuts to SNAP could seriously compromise the effectiveness of food assistance programs designed to promote healthier diets and support local agriculture sustainability.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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