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Senate adopts amendment to double funding for 'Double Up Food Bucks' program, citing farmer and family benefits
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment increasing House Bill 2385 funding to $2 million for the Produce Incentive Program (Double Up Food Bucks) to sustain 75 sites statewide; advocates and program operators testified on food access and local economic impact.
The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment to House Bill 23 85 on March 21 and moved the bill as amended with a due-pass recommendation. The bill funds the Produce Incentive Program (commonly called Double Up Food Bucks) to expand access to Arizona-grown produce and support local farmers.
Jesse Gruner, Director of Community Innovation at Pinnacle Prevention (operator of the Double Up program), told senators the program began in 2016 and now operates more than 75 sites statewide; he said full funding for $2,000,000 is required to sustain all sites. Elise Gaitis, executive director of Activate Food Arizona, testified the program increases local economic activity and helps mobile markets and small farmers reach customers; she said every dollar of the program generates roughly $1.78 in local economic activity for communities served.
Senators discussed the amendment (Sen. Farnsworth) and several members praised the bill’s incentive-based approach to improve food access and support growers; the amendment was adopted and the bill received an 8–0 roll call in favor (0 nays, 2 not voting per transcript). The bill will proceed with the committee’s due-pass recommendation.
Next steps: HB2385 (as amended) will continue through the legislative process; sponsors and advocates emphasized the program’s role in food security and farmer support.
