U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Healthy SNAP Act on Wednesday, which would prohibit the purchase of soft drinks, candy, ice cream and prepared desserts using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that “eligible foods promote the health of SNAP recipients and reflect nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns.” The bill also requires a review of foods qualified under SNAP every five years to ensure that “new and relevant nutrition data is reflected in SNAP food guidelines.”
“The state of chronic disease in America is limiting our potential and preventing our kids from achieving their own American Dream. Unhealthy SNAP-eligible foods undoubtedly perpetuate this health crisis – and on the taxpayer dime,” Britt said. “The Healthy SNAP Act is a meaningful step forward to help Make America Healthy Again. I will continue to work with HHS Secretary Kennedy, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, and the rest of President Trump’s team to accomplish this.”
SNAP exists to provide nutritious food to low-income Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Over 42 million people, roughly 1 in 8 Americans, are currently receiving SNAP benefits. According to Britt, over 20% of all SNAP dollars are used to purchase soda, candy, desserts, and other junk food items, which is projected to total $240 billion over the next decade.
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