Far too many Philadelphians lack access to healthy foods, while food insecurity has increased during the past three years. Over 980,000 Philadelphians live in an area of an overabundance of unhealthy foods. According to a report published by Feeding America, more than 30% of children are food insecure in Philadelphia. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.
That is why the The Food Trust, American Heart Association and community organizations partnered to advocate for funding of Philly Food Bucks in the Philadelphia fiscal year 2026 budget.
Philly Food Bucks, a nutrition incentive program for shoppers who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), simultaneously increases the consumption of produce and stimulates local economies by unlocking demand for fruits and vegetables.
“I was proud to secure a $500,000 investment in the Food Bucks program in this year’s budget cycle, which reaffirms our commitment to health equity and food justice in Philadelphia,” said Councilmember Nina Ahmad. “For 15 years, this program has empowered SNAP recipients to access more nutritious options, and with this funding, we are expanding its impact. Supporting proven, community-based solutions like Food Bucks is how we build a healthier future for all Philadelphians.”
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Philadelphia with more than 3,400 lives lost each year. A healthy diet is a critical factor in preventing and managing heart disease. We advocated for nutrition incentives as our research shows they are an evidence-based strategy that improves access to healthier foods and health outcomes,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, Region SVP, Sr. Executive Director, Development & Community Health, Greater Philadelphia. “We would like to thank Councilmember Ahmad and all the advocates who championed these efforts that led to $500,000 being invested in the Food Bucks program in the FY ’26 budget.”
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