Why Food Incentives Matter More Than Ever

When we talk about ending hunger, the solutions don’t always have to be complicated. What they do have to be is practical, community-driven, and designed so real families can actually use them. That’s why I’ve been so interested in programs like No Kid Hungry’s Grants and Food Bucks here at home in Pennsylvania. On paper, these might sound like small pieces of a bigger puzzle, but they can completely change how families put food on the table.

So what are SNAP incentives, really?

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps millions of families afford groceries. But anyone who’s ever been to a store knows how expensive healthy food can be compared to heavily processed options. That’s where SNAP incentives, (or sometimes called healthy food incentives), come in.

In Pennsylvania, the Food Bucks program is the best example. For every $5 a family spends on SNAP at a participating store, they get $2 in Food Bucks to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only is that not just a coupon, it’s literally money back for healthier choices. It supports families and local farmers, which feels like a win-win.

Why this matters right now:

Food Bucks and programs like it don’t just stretch budgets; they actually change shopping habits. When fresh produce is suddenly more affordable, families buy more of it. That means better nutrition, which is tied directly to better health outcomes. For kids, it’s everything from better focus in school to long-term health.

And here’s the bigger picture: Pennsylvania has the chance to expand Food Bucks so that it reaches more people across the state. We came close this year, but we need more public support and awareness to push it over the line.

What you can do:

This month, Just Harvest is hosting two virtual calls to talk about Food Bucks and what’s next for the program:

• Feb 16, 4–5pm – Why SNAP incentives matter, with stories from families, advocates, and retailers.

• Feb 18, 4–5pm – How other states have expanded these programs, and what it would take for Pennsylvania to do the same.

Even if you can’t be there live, registering gives you access to recordings. (Register here: Just Harvest Food Bucks Events).

My take:

Here’s the thing: programs like No Kid Hungry grants help schools and nonprofits keep kids fed. But that can’t be the only solution. Community-led programs like Food Bucks put real power into the hands of families, and that’s just as important. These efforts should be growing side by side.

As someone who’s spent the last few years trying to increase food access through my own projects, I can tell you: people want healthy food, and they deserve it. Affordability shouldn’t be the barrier. That’s why Food Bucks feels like such a smart solution, because it’s practical, immediate, and rooted in equity.

If we keep showing up, spreading the word, and advocating, Pennsylvania has a real shot at leading the way.