If you’re a SNAP recipient in Colorado, you could be in line for an extra bonus in the coming weeks, provided you use your food stamp funds wisely. The SNAP Produce Bonus program is designed to encourage people to buy healthy, fresh foods, helping them make better nutritional choices.
This program offers an additional benefit for SNAP participants who purchase specific agricultural products at authorized locations.
What is the SNAP Produce Bonus?
The SNAP Produce Bonus program gives an extra benefit to people receiving food assistance in Colorado. The bonus is activated when SNAP recipients buy eligible agricultural products like fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen vegetables without additives, or dried beans.
This bonus is automatically loaded onto the recipient’s EBT card once these purchases are made at participating retailers or farmers markets. There’s no need to sign up separately—if you qualify for SNAP, you’re automatically enrolled in this program.
How Does the Bonus Work?
Each month, SNAP participants can receive up to $60 in additional funds through the Produce Bonus program. This amount is reset on the first day of each calendar month, giving recipients a fresh start to earn the bonus each month. The bonus can only be used to buy food that meets the guidelines set by federal SNAP standards.
The focus of this bonus is to promote healthy eating. Foods that qualify for the bonus include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as frozen and dried varieties that don’t contain added salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats.
By encouraging the purchase of healthier options, the program aims to help beneficiaries maintain better diets without the risk of consuming too much sodium, fat, or sugar.
Eligible Foods for the Bonus
The SNAP Produce Bonus program is specifically designed to support the purchase of nutritious foods. Eligible items include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables without any added sugar, fat, or salt
- Dried beans
- Dried fruits and vegetables that don’t contain additives
These are the kinds of food that contribute to a healthy diet and are essential for better long-term health.
Who Can Receive the Extra SNAP Benefits?
Any individual who is currently receiving SNAP benefits in Colorado is automatically eligible for the SNAP Produce Bonus. There is no need for any additional registration or action to participate. The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) manages the program at the state level, and more detailed information can be found on their website.
You can check the balance on your SNAP Produce Bonus by visiting the online EBT cardholder portal or using the ebtEDGE mobile app. Additionally, some retail stores may show your balance after you make a purchase.
Participating Locations
The SNAP Produce Bonus program works with various participating establishments, including licensed retailers, farmers markets, and concession stands. An interactive map on the CDHS website helps you locate these participating stores and markets. These locations are color-coded by type, making it easier to find where you can use your bonus funds.
For example, the Boulder County Farmers Market operates on Wednesday afternoons from May to October, while the Durango Farmers Market is open on Saturday mornings during the same months.
How Many People in Colorado Will Benefit from This Bonus?
As of 2023, approximately 580,000 people in Colorado receive SNAP benefits. This makes up about 9.9% of the state’s population, which was estimated at 5.88 million. In 2024, around 584,500 people received their extra SNAP benefits through the Produce Bonus program, and this number is expected to be similar in 2025.