Nevada Assembly Bill 474 seeks $5M for SNAP grocery app development
May 24, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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A recent meeting of the Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means highlighted a significant initiative aimed at improving food access for families relying on SNAP benefits. Assembly Bill 474 proposes a $5 million investment to develop a mobile application that will help grocery stores better coordinate their inventory of perishable foods to meet the needs of SNAP beneficiaries.
The bill, presented by Jason Fryerson, emphasizes the use of artificial intelligence to predict demand for perishable items, allowing grocers to stock what is needed most. This initiative aims to enhance the shopping experience for families using SNAP benefits, enabling them to maximize their purchasing power and access fresh food options in their local stores.
Fryerson noted that the funding would cover program management, software development, and ongoing adjustments to ensure the app meets the needs of both grocers and users. The program is modeled after successful implementations in other states, such as Delaware, and is designed to be rolled out statewide, benefiting all grocers participating in the SNAP program.
Assembly members expressed support for the bill, recognizing the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity, especially as cuts to certain benefits loom in the coming years. The committee discussed the importance of providing families with more options to access food, particularly in light of current challenges faced by many households.
However, the meeting also featured opposition from community organizations like the Healthy Communities Coalition, which argued that the proposed system could create barriers for families already receiving food assistance at no cost. They raised concerns about the potential impact on SNAP benefits and the accessibility of food for those in rural areas with limited grocery options.
Despite these concerns, supporters of Assembly Bill 474 believe that the initiative will empower families by allowing them to shop for groceries in a more dignified manner, rather than relying solely on food pantries. The bill is seen as a step towards addressing food insecurity in Nevada and providing families with the tools they need to nourish themselves effectively.
As the legislative process continues, the committee will assess the potential impacts of the bill and consider the feedback from both supporters and opponents. The outcomes of this initiative could play a crucial role in shaping food access strategies for Nevada's most vulnerable residents.
The bill, presented by Jason Fryerson, emphasizes the use of artificial intelligence to predict demand for perishable items, allowing grocers to stock what is needed most. This initiative aims to enhance the shopping experience for families using SNAP benefits, enabling them to maximize their purchasing power and access fresh food options in their local stores.
Fryerson noted that the funding would cover program management, software development, and ongoing adjustments to ensure the app meets the needs of both grocers and users. The program is modeled after successful implementations in other states, such as Delaware, and is designed to be rolled out statewide, benefiting all grocers participating in the SNAP program.
Assembly members expressed support for the bill, recognizing the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity, especially as cuts to certain benefits loom in the coming years. The committee discussed the importance of providing families with more options to access food, particularly in light of current challenges faced by many households.
However, the meeting also featured opposition from community organizations like the Healthy Communities Coalition, which argued that the proposed system could create barriers for families already receiving food assistance at no cost. They raised concerns about the potential impact on SNAP benefits and the accessibility of food for those in rural areas with limited grocery options.
Despite these concerns, supporters of Assembly Bill 474 believe that the initiative will empower families by allowing them to shop for groceries in a more dignified manner, rather than relying solely on food pantries. The bill is seen as a step towards addressing food insecurity in Nevada and providing families with the tools they need to nourish themselves effectively.
As the legislative process continues, the committee will assess the potential impacts of the bill and consider the feedback from both supporters and opponents. The outcomes of this initiative could play a crucial role in shaping food access strategies for Nevada's most vulnerable residents.
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