Healthy Incentives Pilot

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (PL 110-246), enacted on June 18, 2008, authorized the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to conduct projects using the SNAP to improve the dietary and health status of households eligible or participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Funds were specifically targeted to a project that provides incentives at the point of purchase to encourage households participating in the SNAP “to purchase fruits, vegetables, or other healthful foods;” and includes an independent evaluation that uses rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment, to produce scientifically valid information on the impact of the pilot.

FNS invites state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agencies to test the effect of providing financial incentives at the point of sale for the purchase of fruits and vegetables on the diet quality of SNAP households. One state will be competitively selected to manage the planning, implementation and operation of this project. The selected state will also be responsible for coordinating with and supporting the independent USDA evaluation of HIP. A cooperative agreement will be awarded late summer, 2010.