Nearly 584,000 SNAP recipients in Colorado, roughly 10% of the state’s population, are eligible to receive extra monthly benefits this summer under a state-backed initiative aimed at encouraging healthy food purchases. The program, led by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), offers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $60 per month for buying fresh fruits and vegetables.
This effort is part of the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus Program, which was launched in partnership with Nourish Colorado. State officials say the goal is to help low-income families afford nutritious food while stretching their grocery budgets amid rising food prices.
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Dollar-for-Dollar Incentive Returns This Summer
The produce bonus program enables SNAP participants to earn up to $60 monthly in matched benefits simply by using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase eligible fruits and vegetables at participating retailers. The amount spent on produce is matched and automatically reloaded onto the same card, with no separate enrollment or application process required.
Unlike traditional food assistance add-ons, this bonus can be used on any SNAP-eligible item, giving households flexibility in how they manage their grocery spending. The initiative was first tested in 2024, and according to CDHS, over 99% of the bonus benefits were redeemed—a sign of high interest and ease of use among recipients.
Where Coloradans Can Use the Bonus
The program currently partners with over 30 participating retailers, including grocery chains, independent stores, and local farm stands. Coverage includes larger cities like Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, as well as smaller towns such as Mancos and Hotchkiss. Mobile markets and co-ops have also joined the effort to ensure rural areas are not left behind.
| Region | Participation Status |
|---|---|
| Denver & Boulder | Multiple retail stores and farmers’ markets |
| Western Slope towns | Active farm stands in Mancos, Hotchkiss |
| Fort Collins | Local produce vendors and grocers |
| Rural Counties | Mobile markets, seasonal stalls |
This structure helps bridge the gap for residents in food deserts or isolated communities who might struggle with limited access to fresh produce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Receiving the Bonus
Recipients only need to follow a simple purchase process to access the benefits. The program works without requiring any additional documentation.
- Buy eligible fruits and vegetables at a participating store using your SNAP EBT card.
- Receive an automatic match of the amount spent, up to $60 per month.
- Use the bonus on any SNAP-approved items at any authorized retailer.
This system removes typical bureaucratic hurdles and enables users to take full advantage of their benefits quickly and efficiently.
Push Toward Healthier SNAP Purchases
The Colorado program arrives as other states push the USDA for waivers to restrict SNAP purchases on items like soda and candy. States such as Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana have already received approvals, signaling a nationwide trend toward healthier food policy.
Rather than limit consumer choices, Colorado’s model incentivizes healthier behavior through positive reinforcement. The financial bonus not only supports better nutrition but also gives a direct economic boost to participating local farmers and markets.
Program Receives Strong Public Support
According to Abby McClelland, Director of Food and Energy Assistance at CDHS, the produce bonus helps families access food they might otherwise skip:
“This is especially important with the increase in grocery prices that we’ve seen recently.”
Retailers have also praised the initiative. Emma Kottenstette, founder of Farm Runners, noted that customers return regularly once they learn about the benefit:
“Most people that come in know about the program and are stoked. They just keep coming back.”
As the program continues through summer 2025, it is expected to expand further, offering a potential long-term model for other states to adopt.
