In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration is considering restricting the use of. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sugary drinks and junk food. This initiative is spearheaded by newly appointed. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., both of whom advocate for promoting healthier dietary choices among low-income Americans.
No More Junk Food on Food Stamps
SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, provides financial assistance to over 42 million Americans, enabling them to purchase food. The program’s annual cost to taxpayers is approximately $112.8 billion. Historically, SNAP benefits have been permissible for any food product intended for human consumption. Eexcluding alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods. The proposed changes aim to exclude items such as sodas, candies, and other processed foods high in added sugars and low in nutritional value.
Secretary Kennedy has been particularly vocal about this initiative, stating. “The one place that I would say that we need to really change policy is the SNAP program and food stamps and in school lunches. There, the federal government in many cases is paying for it. And we shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison.” Associated Press
Modifying the list of eligible items would require legislative changes
However, implementing these restrictions presents several challenges. The U.S. administers the SNAP program through the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operates under the guidelines established by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Modifying the list of eligible items would require legislative changes by Congress. Or the approval of state-specific waivers, both of which have faced resistance in the past. Critics argue that such restrictions could stigmatize recipients and limit their autonomy in making food choices. Gina Plata-Nino, deputy director at the Food Research and Action Center, expressed concern, stating, “This is just another way to cut benefits. It’s like, how do we restrict people more? How do we stigmatize them more?” Associated Press
Despite these challenges, legislative efforts are underway to support the proposed changes. Representative Josh Brecheen, an Oklahoma Republican, has introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, aiming to prohibit the purchase of sugary beverages and junk food with SNAP benefits. Additionally, Senators Marco Rubio and Cory Booker have proposed a bipartisan bill to study and improve nutrition within the SNAP program. fox5atlanta.com
The food industry will likely fight these measures due to the potential impact on sales. In 2024 alone, the industry spent $26.7 million on lobbying efforts. fox5atlanta.com
As the debate continues, the administration emphasizes the importance of aligning SNAP benefits. With nutritional guidelines to promote public health and reduce healthcare costs associated with diet-related diseases. The outcome of this policy proposal could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s approach to nutrition assistance programs and public health.
Trump Administration Considers Banning Junk Food from SNAP
Associated PressTrump officials want to ban junk food from SNAP. Past efforts show it’s not easy to do Yesterday New York PostAmericans on food stamps could be banned from buying ‘bad food and sugary drinks,’ Trump USDA chief says Yesterday
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