Over the weekend, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) took to social media to highlight the shortcomings of the current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The lawmaker showed an Amazon Prime checkout page featuring a $55 box of chocolate truffles available for purchase with SNAP/EBT.
"This is an example of how broken SNAP (food stamp program) is," Orr wrote. "While they might not arrive by Christmas Day, your EBT/SNAP card will score you gifts of fancy chocolate truffles— courtesy of the taxpayers."
"No one begrudges helping those facing hard times and needing help, but there has to be a limit on items like this," added Orr.
On Sunday, 1819 News contacted Orr regarding the social media post.
"SNAP was created to provide temporary help to those who have fallen on hard times, which is worthy, but the fact that a $55 box of luxury chocolates can be purchased with SNAP EBT benefits is outrageous and should anger everyone who pays taxes, especially when many hardworking, middle-class families cannot afford such extravagance," Orr said. "Not even AOC or Bernie Sanders could justify it."
Orr, who previously filed legislation to address SNAP misuse in Alabama, confirmed he will refile the bill in the upcoming legislative session.
"I am reintroducing my legislation during the 2026 session that will make candy and soft drinks ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in Alabama," stated Orr. "So, taxpayers receive more accountability, and the program returns to its original intent of providing nutritious food to individuals and families who need a temporary helping hand."
"Banning sugar rush junk foods from SNAP benefits across the state will also take an important step towards the Trump administration's goal to Make America Healthy Again," added Orr.
SNAP, which provides approximately $96 billion in assistance, is the largest federally funded nutrition assistance program available.
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