Financial Incentives May Improve Diet Among Some Food Stamp Recipients: Study

Participants in the research received $0.50 per $1 spent on fruits and vegetables.

A woman buys produce with food stamps, in a file image. Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Some people on food stamps may buy healthier food if they’re incentivized, researchers reported in a new paper published Nov. 18.

Researchers studied the impact of the Rhode Island Eat Well, Be Well program, which launched in January 2024 and automatically provides a $0.50 credit per $1 spent in food stamps on fresh produce at Stop & Shop and Walmart.