The American Heart Association is celebrating a major victory for nutrition access and health in Delaware: funding and implementation support to create the state’s first-ever Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Double Up Bucks Program.
Proposed in Governor Matt Meyer’s Recommended Budget, the program will help SNAP participants stretch their food budgets by matching purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, effectively doubling their purchasing power for fresh produce. For many Delawareans, that means greater access to nutritious options and more opportunities to make heart-healthy choices every day.
This investment aligns closely with the Heart Association’s mission to improve health and well-being for all. Access to affordable, nutritious food is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term health, and SNAP nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Bucks help remove barriers that too often prevent individuals and families from accessing foods that support healthy lives.
“Programs like the Double Up Bucks are investments in prevention and nutrition security, a key building block for better heart and brain health,” said Whitney Parrish Perry, government relations director, Heart Association, Delaware. “By making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable, Delaware is helping families establish healthy eating habits that support lifelong health. Better nutrition can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke ,and other chronic conditions while improving overall well-being. This program will help more Delawareans access the foods they need to live healthier lives.”
This achievement reflects the power of advocacy and the collective efforts of Heart Association volunteer advocates and staff who championed the importance of nutrition security throughout the legislative process. Their engagement helped elevate access to healthy food as a public policy priority and reinforced the connection between nutrition, prevention, and better health outcomes.
The funding of the Double Up Bucks program is more than a policy achievement—it is an investment in the health of Delaware people and communities. By making healthy foods more accessible and affordable, Delaware is taking an important step toward preventing chronic disease. Better access to nutritious foods supports cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) and brain health.
Greater availability of nutritious foods can help improve cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health, support brain health and foster healthier communities statewide.
The Heart Association looks forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have and remains committed to advancing policies that make healthier choices easier, more affordable, and more attainable for everyone.