A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to change how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—commonly known as food stamps—can be used. The legislation, known as the Healthy SNAP Act, would prohibit recipients from purchasing sugary drinks, candy, ice cream, and other junk foods with their benefits.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Josh Brecheen, a Republican from Oklahoma, who argues that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund unhealthy food choices that contribute to long-term health issues.
“If someone wants to buy junk food on their own dime, that’s up to them,” Brecheen said. “But what we’re saying is, don’t ask the taxpayer to pay for it and then also expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for the resulting health consequences.”
Under current rules, SNAP benefits can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages, but they cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or pet food. If passed, Brecheen’s bill would add soft drinks, cakes, pies, cookies, and other prepared desserts to the list of prohibited purchases.
According to a fact sheet accompanying the legislation, about 20% of SNAP benefits are currently spent on junk foods and sugary drinks. Supporters of the bill say it’s a necessary step toward promoting healthier eating habits among low-income Americans, while critics argue that it unfairly limits personal choice and could disproportionately impact communities that already face food insecurity.
