Farm Fresh RI is thrilled to share that $200,000 in funding for our Bonus Bucks program has been included in Rhode Island’s FY2027 budget and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee, marking the first-ever state investment in this vital food access initiative.
Bonus Bucks doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets across the state, making healthy, locally grown food more affordable for thousands of Rhode Islanders while creating new economic opportunities for local farmers and food producers.
This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership and support of many champions at the State House. We extend our sincere gratitude to Representative Susan Donovan for leading this effort and to bill co-sponsors Representatives Kislak, Spears, Boylan, Giraldo, Fogarty, Casimiro, Caldwell, Handy, and Ajello. We are also especially grateful to Representative Teresa Tanzi for her advocacy and leadership through the House Finance Committee. Thank you as well to the House and Senate leadership, Governor McKee, and everyone who recognized the importance of investing in food access, public health, and Rhode Island agriculture.
Since 2009, Farm Fresh RI has independently funded and distributed over $2.1 million dollars worth of Bonus Bucks to SNAP shoppers. Securing state funds for the Bonus Bucks program acknowledges its standing as an essential food and nutrition program and will ensure Farm Fresh can continue to serve Rhode Island families and farmers.
