The US House of Representatives reported that Congressman Josh Brechin has reintroduced the “Healthy SNAP Act.” Such a new bill now targets the exclusion of junk foods and soft drinks from the SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Once this bill is passed, items such as prepared desserts, ice cream, soft drinks, and candies will no longer be allowed to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Therefore, the food stamp recipient will have limited choices, which he or she will be able to buy online or in person from a store authorized to sell.
What does the Healthy SNAP Act demand?
This new bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that eligible foods encourage people who depend on food stamps to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This bill has been prepared keeping in mind nutrition science, cultural eating habits and public health issues. The aim of this bill is to ensure that the food items available under SNAP are not only affordable, but also beneficial for health.
Currently, around 42 million people in the United States are enjoying food stamps. With the introduction of this bill, it is estimated that about 1 out of 8 people’s health condition would become better. Apart from this, it will also be beneficial in curbing Medicaid expenditure.
Former President Donald Trump’s agenda was clear: to ensure that SNAP is only used for nutrient-rich foods and not for junk foods and soda, which would cause health issues in the long run. As part of this, “President Trump was given a mandate by the majority of Americans to ‘make America healthy again.'”
What can be purchased under SNAP benefits?
In 2025, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows food stamp recipients to purchase the following items:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Fish
- Poultry
- Meat
- Dairy products
- Bread
- Cereals
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Plants and seeds
However, there are some items that cannot be purchased under SNAP benefits. These include:
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Live animals (except shellfish and fresh fish)
- Hot food
- Pet food
Cleaning materials and hygiene products
Thus, this bill can prove to be an important step for those who use food stamps, as it will encourage them towards healthier options, thereby reducing long-term health problems.
This law is not only a step towards changing food choices, but it is also important for overall health improvement in society. Now it remains to be seen with how much support this bill gets passed and what results it brings.
Summary:
The benefits under SNAP not only assist individuals with getting food but also promoting healthy lifestyle consumption. The passing of this new bill would help the community take healthy foods instead of junk food and soda, leading to improved nutrition levels and reduction in health cost.
FAQs
Q 1. What is the Healthy SNAP Act?
It is a new bill that aims to exclude junk foods and soft drinks from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
Q 2. What food items will be excluded from SNAP benefits under this bill?
Prepared desserts, ice cream, soft drinks, and candy will be excluded.
Q 3. How many people currently rely on SNAP benefits in the U.S.?
Approximately 42 million Americans currently use SNAP benefits.
Q 4. Can SNAP benefits still be used to buy healthy food?
Yes, recipients can still buy vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, grains, and more.
Q 5. Are there any non-eligible items under SNAP?
Yes, items like vitamins, medicines, hot meals, pet food, and cleaning supplies are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.