97% of Participants Report Eating More Produce and 80% of Farmers See Increased Sales
DENVER, CO (June 4, 2026) - Colorado families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are finding it easier to put healthy food on the table thanks to the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus. This statewide initiative, operated by the Colorado Department of Human Services in partnership with Nourish Colorado, makes fresh produce more affordable while providing a direct economic boost to local farmers and retailers.
The program provides SNAP participants with a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement—up to $60 per month—when they purchase eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations. The bonus is automatically loaded back onto the participant’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, requiring no separate sign-up or vouchers.
“The Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus is a win-win for our state and our families,” said Abby McClelland, director of the Food and Energy Assistance Division. “By removing financial and logistical barriers to healthy eating, we are supporting the long-term health of Colorado families and the livelihood of our local agricultural partners.”
Launched in July 2024 through a federal pilot funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Colorado is one of only three states selected for this initiative. The electronic incentive model is designed to provide a dignified shopping experience.
Recent customer surveys highlight the program’s success:
- 97% of surveyed participants reported the program helps them eat more fruits and vegetables.
Participants noted that the automatic EBT credit reduces stigma by allowing them to shop like any other customer without using physical tokens or paper vouchers.
The bonus helps SNAP benefits last throughout the month, increasing overall household food security.
This year, the program has expanded to include food-producing plant starts and seeds when purchased at direct-marketing farm locations. This addition joins the list of existing eligible items:
- Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables (without added sugar, salt or fat).
- Dried beans.
- Dried fruits and vegetables without added ingredients (at farm locations).
Once earned, the bonus can be used to purchase any SNAP-eligible food item at any authorized retailer statewide.
The program is a proven catalyst for local business growth. According to surveys of participating farmers:
- 80% report increased produce sales.
- 74% have attracted new customers.
A majority prefer the electronic system over traditional paper programs due to reduced administrative burden and faster transactions.
SNAP recipients can find a map of participating farmers markets and retailers by visiting COSNAPProduceBonus.org.
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) works with partners to empower Coloradans to thrive. CDHS oversees the state’s 64 county departments of human services, public mental health institutions, and various programs designed to support the safety and well-being of Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.
Media contact:
John Rosa, Communications Manager
Colorado Department of Human Services
Office of Economic Security
john.rosa@state.co.us