A vibrant farmers market scene with glowing food bucks, symbolizing access to healthy food in urban communities.

Food Bucks: The Secret Weapon for Healthier Eating on a Budget?

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Philly Food Bucks are revolutionizing access to fresh produce for low-income communities, and why similar programs could be a game-changer for your city."

In many urban areas, especially in low-income neighborhoods, accessing fresh, healthy food can be a real challenge. Supermarkets are scarce, while fast food outlets and corner stores are abundant. This creates a food environment that often leads to poor diets and related health problems. But what if there was a simple, effective way to level the playing field and make nutritious food more accessible?

Enter bonus incentive programs at farmers markets, an innovative approach that's showing real promise. One such program, Philly Food Bucks, offers a $2 bonus for every $5 spent in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at participating farmers markets. The goal? To increase fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income customers, support local farmers, and bring fresh food into underserved communities.

This article dives into the results of a study evaluating the impact of Philly Food Bucks in Philadelphia. We'll explore how this program is changing eating habits, boosting SNAP sales at farmers markets, and why it could be a model for other cities looking to improve food access and health outcomes.

How Philly Food Bucks is Changing the Game?

A vibrant farmers market scene with glowing food bucks, symbolizing access to healthy food in urban communities.

A recent study examined the impact of Philly Food Bucks by surveying 662 customers at 22 farmers markets in low-income neighborhoods across Philadelphia. The results were compelling: Philly Food Bucks users were significantly more likely to report eating more fruits and vegetables and trying new produce compared to non-users.

Specifically, the study found:

Philly Food Bucks users were 2.4 times more likely to report increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
They were also 1.8 times more likely to try new fruits or vegetables.
SNAP sales more than doubled at participating farmers markets in the first two years of the program.

These numbers paint a clear picture: Philly Food Bucks is making a real difference in the dietary habits of low-income residents. By providing a financial incentive, the program encourages people to choose fresh, healthy options over less nutritious alternatives.

The Bigger Picture: Why Bonus Incentive Programs Matter

The success of Philly Food Bucks highlights the potential of bonus incentive programs to address food access challenges in low-income communities. By making fresh, healthy food more affordable, these programs can empower individuals to make better dietary choices and improve their overall health.

While the Philly Food Bucks study focused on farmers markets, the concept could be applied in other settings, such as supermarkets or corner stores. The key is to create a financial incentive that encourages people to choose healthy options, regardless of where they shop.

Looking ahead, it's crucial for public and private organizations to invest in food access initiatives that address both affordability and availability. Federal food programs should also fund and evaluate bonus incentive programs to identify best practices and ensure that these programs are reaching the people who need them most.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5888/pcd10.120356, Alternate LINK

Title: Improving Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Among Low-Income Customers At Farmers Markets: Philly Food Bucks, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2011

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Preventing Chronic Disease

Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Authors: Candace R. Young, Jennifer L. Aquilante, Sara Solomon, Lisa Colby, Mukethe A. Kawinzi, Nicky Uy, Giridhar Mallya

Published: 2013-10-03

Everything You Need To Know

What is Philly Food Bucks?

Philly Food Bucks is a program that offers a $2 bonus for every $5 spent using SNAP benefits at participating farmers markets. This incentive is designed to make fresh produce more affordable for low-income individuals, encouraging them to purchase and consume more fruits and vegetables. It is a financial mechanism used to boost the purchasing power for healthy foods, directly addressing the challenge of food access in underserved communities.

Why is Philly Food Bucks important?

The significance lies in its demonstrated ability to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income residents. The study showed that users of Philly Food Bucks were 2.4 times more likely to report increased fruit and vegetable consumption and 1.8 times more likely to try new produce. This directly impacts the health of participants by promoting healthier diets. Moreover, the program supports local farmers by increasing SNAP sales at farmers markets, creating a positive ripple effect within the community.

What are the implications of the Philly Food Bucks program?

The implications are far-reaching. By making healthy food more accessible, programs like Philly Food Bucks can lead to improved health outcomes, such as a reduced risk of diet-related diseases. Furthermore, the success of the program can serve as a model for other cities, empowering them to address food access challenges and improve the well-being of their residents. Increased consumption of fresh produce could also contribute to better overall community health.

How was the impact of Philly Food Bucks evaluated?

The study evaluated the impact of Philly Food Bucks by surveying 662 customers at 22 farmers markets in low-income neighborhoods within Philadelphia. The data gathered revealed that users of Philly Food Bucks significantly increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables and were more likely to try new produce. Additionally, the study found that SNAP sales at participating farmers markets more than doubled in the first two years, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in achieving its goals.

Why are bonus incentive programs like Philly Food Bucks significant?

Bonus incentive programs like Philly Food Bucks are important because they address the root causes of food access challenges. They acknowledge that financial constraints can prevent low-income individuals from making healthier food choices. By providing a financial incentive, these programs level the playing field, making nutritious food more affordable and accessible. This can lead to significant improvements in dietary habits, health outcomes, and community well-being, particularly in areas where access to fresh produce is limited.