Bill Would Give Healthy Eating Discounts To Food Stamp Recipients

People who receive food stamp benefits in Wisconsin would get discounts when they buy healthy foods, like fresh produce, under a proposal in the state Legislature.

Under the bill, the state Department of Health Services would be required to launch a pilot program to offer FoodShare recipients discounts on healthy items, like up to half-off purchases of fresh produce.

“It’s literally a carrot approach — sorry for the pun there — but it’s a carrot approach to get them to buy healthier foods and that hopefully then will lead to better healthcare outcomes,” said Rep. Mike Rohrkaste, R-Neenah, one of the bill’s sponsors.

The pilot program would have roughly 2,000 households participating, would last 10 months, and would be overseen by a private organization contracted by the state. It is expected to cost $700,000, including $100,000 in federal support, according to state estimates.

A variety of health care organizations, including the American Heart Association, have registered their support for the bill.

Dr. Patrick Remington, professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, also pointed out healthy options can be more expensive in grocery stores.

“To me, this is sort of the finger on the scale, helping level the playing field to allow people who don’t have as much to spend on food to be able to buy healthier foods,” he said.

The Wisconsin Grocers Association also supports the measure.

The bill has already unanimously passed an Assembly committee and could be taken up by the full Assembly by as early as next week. It has yet to be voted on in a Senate committee.