Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Mike Lee have introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, a legislative proposal aimed at revising the list of items eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The proposed bill seeks to exclude soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being purchased with these benefits.

Senator Britt stated, "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." She emphasized that the act is intended as a step towards improving public health by aligning SNAP purchases with nutrition science and cultural eating patterns.

The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture ensure eligible foods promote health among SNAP recipients. It also calls for a review of qualified foods every five years to incorporate new nutritional data into SNAP guidelines.

Senator Lee remarked, "American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans." He added that encouraging balanced diets is key to improving public health.

Currently, over 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits. However, it is reported that more than 20 percent of these funds are spent on sugary products like sodas and candy. This spending pattern could lead to an estimated $240 billion expenditure over ten years on such items.

Vani Hari, Founder of Food Babe & Truvani, commented on the issue: "The SNAP program should not prey on low-income populations by perpetuating the consumption of sugary drinks designed to be addictive filled with artificial additives."

Calley Means, Founder of Truemed, supported the bill by saying: "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."

In parallel efforts in Congress, Representative Josh Brecheen has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.