Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nutrition Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee trims funding request but keeps Double Up Food Bucks program alive
Summary
Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment reducing the proposed $2 million appropriation for the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program to $1 million; advocates and small farmers urged full funding, while several members said they would seek additional funding in the budget process.
The committee adopted a Livingston amendment reducing the requested appropriation for HB2224 from $2 million to $1 million and returned the bill with a due-pass recommendation (vote: 16 yes, 1 no, 1 not voting). The bill, administered through the Arizona Department of Economic Security in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, funds the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases dollar-for-dollar at participating farmers markets and grocery stores for Arizona-grown produce.
Witnesses from Pinnacle Prevention and small farmers described the program’s expansion to more rural ZIP codes, mobile market pilots, produce-prescription pilots tied to better health outcomes, and economic benefits for small farms. Sponsors and supporters said the $1 million will sustain current operations and urged lawmakers to consider full funding in budget negotiations; multiple members explained the committee's practice of moving amendments to match the budgetary climate.
