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Iowa Senate committee advances $1 million appropriation to expand Double Up Food Bucks
Summary
A Senate subcommittee advanced Senate Study Bill 10 12, which would appropriate $1 million from the general fund in FY2026 to expand the Double Up Food Bucks program that matches EBT purchases of fresh produce.
Senator Klimesh, opening for the Health and Human Services Committee, said Senate Study Bill 10 12 "is what's known as the double up food bucks program. This bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 26." The committee voted to advance the bill to the floor.
Why it matters: The bill would provide state funding to a program that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, with the goal of increasing healthy food purchases and supporting local farmers.
What the bill would do: Under the program described in committee, Double Up Food Bucks currently provides a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 per day when beneficiaries use an EBT card to buy fresh produce; matching dollars loaded to a participant card expire after 90 days. The bill would appropriate $1,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to expand the program's reach.
Subcommittee and testimony: Senator Klimesh reported that a subcommittee of herself, Senator Lofgren, and Senator Trungaria "all met, all 3, signing off to advance the bill." Senator Turner praised the measure: "I have never been part of such an enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive subcommittee. ... this is such a win win for the people of Iowa, for farmers." Turner added that the program is currently charity-funded and said state funding would help extend the program to smaller towns and rural areas that lack sufficient current funding.
Economic example offered in testimony: Klimesh told the committee that, during subcommittee testimony, one farmer's market with 35 stalls reported more than $200,000 in revenue tied to the program; that figure was presented as evidence the program can boost local agricultural sales.
Next steps: Senator Klimesh moved the bill; the committee approved it and the chair announced the bill will go to the calendar as a committee bill under Rule 40.
Ending note: The measure now moves to the full Senate calendar and would require further action, including appropriations committee review, before becoming law.
