MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Welfare; Appropriations
By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Simmons (13th), Butler (36th), Norwood, Horhn, Jordan, Frazier, Simmons (12th), Thomas
AN ACT TO CREATE THE SNAP HEALTHY FOOD INCENTIVE PROGRAM ACT OF 2022; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION, TO MAKE AN ANNUAL GRANT TO FUND A QUALIFIED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION; TO REQUIRE THE ORGANIZATION TO DISTRIBUTE TO PARTICIPATING FARMERS MARKETS AND RETAILERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING MATCHING DOLLAR INCENTIVES FOR THE DOLLAR VALUE OF SNAP BENEFITS SPENT ON ELIGIBLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "SNAP Healthy Food Incentive Program Act of 2022."
(2) Subject to appropriation, the Mississippi Department of Human Services shall make an annual grant to fund a qualified Mississippi nonprofit organization or agency. Such nonprofit organization or agency shall distribute to participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers for the purpose of providing matching dollar incentives for the dollar value of SNAP benefits spent on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating Mississippi farmers markets and direct producer-to-consumer venues.
(3) The designated qualified nonprofit organization or agency shall have a demonstrated track record of:
(a) Building a statewide network;
(b) Implementing funds distribution and reporting processes;
(c) Providing training and technical assistance to farmers markets and direct producer-to-consumer venues;
(d) Conducting community outreach and data collection; and
(e) Providing full accounting and administration of funds distributed to farmers markets.
(4) All money received pursuant to appropriation shall be deposited into the Healthy Food Incentives Fund, hereby created in the State Treasury. At least ninety percent (90%) of the money deposited into the Healthy Food Incentive Fund shall be distributed to participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers for healthy food incentives. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of the money deposited into the Healthy Food Incentive Fund shall be used for state program development, promotion and outreach, farmers market and retailer training and capacity building, technical assistance, program data collection, evaluation, administration, reporting and program implementation.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.