Over 800,000 people in WA are living in poverty without food security. In King County, for every 13 people receiving SNAP benefits, about 2 use Fresh Bucks. Providing the potential for nearly 150,000 Fresh Bucks users Statewide, with an estimated $357 million in economic growth for local economies at hundreds of retail locations, as well as at the 122 Farmers Markets throughout Washington State with the program’s expansion.

At a cost of only $70 million at the State level, less than an average of $2 million per County, and $10 per capita at the Municipal level, Fresh Bucks could be expanded to the entirety of Washingtonians receiving SNAP benefits.

Seeing as though the current organization behind Fresh Bucks doesn’t seek to expand any further this year, to implement a program Statewide, the State legislature and Governor would have to establish a program within the Washington State Department of Health, while also coordinating with County and City governments.

This action will help to reduce food insecurity, while boosting local communities and family farmers.