Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, a bill aimed at restricting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing certain food items, including soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts.
The proposed legislation seeks to align SNAP purchases with nutritional guidelines by requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure eligible foods promote the health of recipients. The bill also mandates a review of qualified foods every five years to incorporate updated nutritional science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns.
“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,” said Senator Britt. “The Healthy SNAP Act is a meaningful step forward to help Make America Healthy Again.”
Senator Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of taxpayer dollars in supporting nutritious food choices. “American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans,” he said. “The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices.”
SNAP, designed to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition for low-income Americans, currently serves over 42 million people—approximately one in eight Americans. According to proponents of the bill, more than 20% of SNAP benefits are used for purchasing soda, candy, and other junk food items, with an estimated expenditure of $240 billion over the next decade.
Supporters of the bill argue that SNAP should prioritize access to healthier food options. Vani Hari, Founder of Food Babe & Truvani, stated, “The SNAP program should not prey on low-income populations by perpetuating the consumption of sugary drinks designed to be addictive. It’s time to use our SNAP dollars wisely and provide healthier options.”
Public health concerns related to obesity and diet-related illnesses have also been cited as reasons for the proposed reform. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that obesity-related healthcare costs in the U.S. reach approximately $173 billion annually. Calley Means, Founder of Truemed, commented, “With 38% of U.S. teens now afflicted with pre-diabetes, it is the height of public policy insanity to subsidize soda and candy for the neediest children.”
A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.). The proposed legislation has sparked debate over government involvement in food choices and the impact of dietary restrictions on low-income communities.
As discussions on the Healthy SNAP Act continue, lawmakers and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in on the balance between nutritional guidelines and personal choice within federally funded food assistance programs.
