New research with the University of Washington published their findings in the journal JAMA Network that shows rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program. Jessica Jones-Smith, PhD, senior author and professor of health, society, & behavior at UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, joined a team that surveyed nearly 7,000 beneficiaries and received almost 2,000 complete responses. The study compared households enrolled in the Fresh Bucks program and those without.
The study found that households enrolled in Seattle Washington’s Fresh Bucks Program — a $40 monthly benefit for purchasing fruits and vegetables — experienced a remarkable 31% increase in food security and a 37% higher likelihood of consuming at least three daily servings of produce, compared to those not enrolled. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on the role of nutrition incentive programs in addressing food insecurity and advancing health equity, underscoring the importance of sustained policy support for vulnerable populations.
I think that really drives home the fact that money or material resources are necessary for enacting this kind of dietary change.
“We clearly see that once this program goes away, people can no longer afford to eat these foods, as evidenced by the increase in fruits and vegetables when people are receiving the benefit, but the near symmetric decrease when benefits are lost,” Jones-Smith said. “I think that really drives home the fact that money or material resources are necessary for enacting this kind of dietary change.”
Jones-Smith came to Wen Public Health in July of 2025 but conducted this study under a faculty appointment at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Other co-authors from the UW include Jamie Wallace, recently graduated doctoral student of health systems and population health; Barbara Baquero, associate professor of health systems and population health; and KeliAnne Hara-Hubbard, community research coordinator.
To read more about the study findings, please read the press release here.
