HB1096 enacts a new nutrition incentive initiative aimed at SNAP recipients. Under the proposed law, eligible participants receive at least $0.40 in bonus "Food Bucks" for every $1 of SNAP benefits spent on qualifying fruits and vegetables at participating food retailers—such as grocery stores, corner shops, or farmers markets. A nonprofit grantee, selected by the state Department of Agriculture, would administer the program for at least two years, working with vendors and overseeing evaluation. At least 60% of program funds must go directly toward these fruit and vegetable incentives, while the remaining funds support outreach, evaluation, and improvement efforts.
The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB1096 on June 3, 2025 by a vote of 164 to 39. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this measure expands the unconstitutional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federally funded welfare scheme that fosters government dependency and undermines personal responsibility. By offering additional taxpayer-funded incentives, the bill deepens individual reliance on the federal government. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants no authority for social-welfare programs, and Pennsylvania should not be complicit in advancing socialist policies that erode individual freedom and accountability.
