2026 -- H 7258

========

LC004080

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO BE USED FOR INCENTIVES FOR

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING BONUS BUCKS OUTLETS IN

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Kislak, Spears, Boylan, Giraldo, Fogarty,
Casimiro, Caldwell, Handy, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2026

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Farm Fresh is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to grow a local food

system that values the environment, health, and quality of life for farmers and eaters in our

region; and

     WHEREAS, The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food

benefits to low-income families in order to supplement their grocery budget so that they can

afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being; and

     WHEREAS, Farm Fresh RI established Bonus Bucks in 2009 as a Nutrition Incentive

Program that doubles the value of federal SNAP benefits spent in the State of Rhode Island by

matching benefits dollar-for-dollar for fresh fruits and vegetables; and

     WHEREAS, Bonus Bucks funds are restricted to the use specifically for purchasing fresh

fruit, vegetables and herbs grown by small scale agricultural producers, resulting in both a direct

health benefit to low-income Rhode Islanders while supporting the local agricultural economy;

and

     WHEREAS, The Farm Fresh RI Bonus Bucks Program has grown in scale to operate at

over 27 year round local seasonal farmers markets and farmstands statewide, benefits 108 local

farms and 117 locally owned and operated food producers; and distributed over $1.7 million in

Bonus Bucks since 2009; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of two hundred thousand dollars

($200,000) to Farm Fresh RI to administer the Bonus Bucks Program; and the state controller is

hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of

said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly

authenticated vouchers.

========

LC004080

========

LC004080 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO BE USED FOR INCENTIVES FOR

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING BONUS BUCKS OUTLETS IN

RHODE ISLAND

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $200,000 for incentives

for the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program.

========

LC004080

========

LC004080 - Page 3 of 3