GusNIP Expansion Act of 2026

Increased support for high-poverty areas: The Secretary may waive the standard 50 percent Federal cost cap for activities in counties or census tracts where at least 20 percent of the population has lived in poverty for the last 30 years. (Section 2(a)(1)(ii))

Statewide program scaling: The bill establishes cooperative agreements between eligible entities and State SNAP agencies or local governments to scale existing incentive programs. (Section 2(a)(3)(A))

Health and nutrition improvements: The Produce Prescription Program pilot grants are designed to demonstrate and evaluate impacts on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing food insecurity, and reducing healthcare costs. (Section 2(b)(1)(A))

Support for community health and local retail: Seeding infrastructure grants are intended to help establish or validate best practices and aid community health centers and independent produce retail outlets. (Section 2(b)(1)(A)(C))

Clinical research expansion: Expansion grants are designed to expand clinical research on the value of delivering produce prescription programs through clinical practice. (Section 2(b)(1)(A)(B))

Funding limitations for specific grants: The bill sets specific limits on grant amounts, with pilot grants capped at $400,000 and expansion grants capped at $2,500,000. (Section 2(b)(6))

Spending requirements for agreements: Cooperative agreements include a requirement that at least 90 percent of the funds received must be spent on redeemed incentives at the eligible retailer before the end of the agreement. (Section 2(a)(3)(B)(i)(III))