A Game-Changer for Food Access: How No Kid Hungry and Food Bucks Are Supporting Families in PA

When it comes to fighting hunger, solutions don’t need to be complicated—they need to be accessible, community-driven, and sustainable. That’s why the No Kid Hungry Grants Program is such an incredible resource for schools, nonprofits, and community organizations working to ensure kids and families have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive. Whether you’re looking to start a new program or expand an existing one, this funding source is a lifeline for so many groups on the ground making real change happen.

But what makes programs like these even more powerful? When we link them with healthy food incentive programs like Food Bucks, which directly empower families to make healthier food choices without the financial burden.

What Are SNAP Incentives and Why Do They Matter?

SNAP incentives—also known as healthy food incentives—are programs that help make fruits and vegetables more affordable for families using SNAP (formerly food stamps). In Pennsylvania, Food Bucks is the largest healthy food incentive program. For every $5.00 spent using SNAP at a participating location, shoppers receive $2.00 in Food Bucks to spend on fresh produce. That’s not just a discount—that’s a lifeline for families, and it supports local farmers and food retailers too.

This kind of program transforms how low-income families shop. It reduces food insecurity and improves nutrition—two critical public health goals. But right now, we’re at a pivotal moment in PA where we have the opportunity to expand these programs to reach even more people across the state.

Join the Virtual Coalition Calls!

The Goal is to expand Food Bucks program statewide—but can’t do it without community support. If you care about food access, nutrition equity, and making a real impact in your neighborhood, Just Harvest invites you to join two upcoming virtual events designed to rally support and share concrete action steps:

Part 1: Why SNAP Incentives Matter

📅 Feb 16 ⏰ 4–5pm 📍 ZoomHear from shoppers, nutrition advocates, and retailers about why healthy food incentives are a game-changer, and learn how current public policy supports them.

Part 2: Winning a PA Food Bucks Program

📅 Feb 18 ⏰ 4–5pm 📍 ZoomLearn how other states have expanded their SNAP incentive programs, what’s already in motion in Pennsylvania, and how you can help push this effort forward.

Register here: https://justharvest.org/FoodBucks/Events(Even if you can’t attend live, register to access the recordings and stay in the loop.)

Why This Matters

No Kid Hungry grants are helping schools and nonprofits build stronger food access programs—but community-led solutions like Food Bucks are equally important. Together, these efforts work hand in hand to ensure no family has to choose between affordability and nutrition.

As a coalition, we came so close this year to getting broader support for healthy food incentives in Pennsylvania.