The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.
The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.
Program: Double Up Food Bucks
Individuals who receive supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits can double their benefits and receive free fresh fruits and vegetables with their EBT Card. Double up Food Bucks can be used at participating farmers markets and grocery stores.
At the register for every $1 you spend on any fresh fruits and vegetables with your SNAP EBT card, you will get $1 in Double Up Food Bucks. You can earn up to $10 in Double Up Food Bucks per day.
Services:
- Double Up Food Bucks for fresh produce
Eligibility:
Must receive supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits.
Intake Process:
Step 1: Bring your SNAP EBT card to a participating location near you.
Step 2: For every $1 you spend on any fresh fruits and vegetables with your SNAP EBT card, you will get $1 in Double Up Food Bucks!
Step 3: Use the short videos and explanations on Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s website (specific to type of participating location) to help guide you through your purchase!
Step 4: Spend your Double Up Food Bucks right away or save for another visit. Double Up Food Bucks will expire – check the expiration date on the bucks!
Hours:
Check the website for participating Double Up Food Bucks locations across the state.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: 5-2-1-0
5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! is a nationally recognized and evidence-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits. The goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change. Healthy Choices Count! is based on 5-2-1-0’s scientific rationale, which includes the following.
- 5 or more fruits and vegetables.
- 2 hours or less recreational screen time
- 1 hour or more of physical activity
- 0 sugary drinks, more water
Services:
- Online access to health and nutrition resources
- Health and nutrition resources for the following:
- Early care providers
- Parents and caregivers
- Health care settings
- School and after-school programs
- Workplaces
Eligibility:
Available to anyone
Intake Process:
Resources available on the website.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website