SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee of Utah has introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, a bill aimed at modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to exclude certain junk foods from being purchased with benefits. The legislation targets items such as soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts. It also mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture ensure eligible food items promote health and align with nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. Representative Josh Brecheen has introduced a corresponding bill in the House.

"American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans," stated Senator Lee. He emphasized that encouraging balanced diets is crucial for making America healthy again.

Representative Brecheen added that "President Trump has been given a mandate by the majority of Americans to Make America Healthy Again," noting support from figures like RFK Jr. and Senator Marco Rubio for eliminating junk food purchases with SNAP benefits.

Vani Hari, founder of Food Babe & Truvani, supported the initiative by stating that "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, pointed out public policy concerns: "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."

SNAP currently provides nutritious food assistance to over 42 million low-income Americans but sees over 20 percent of its funds spent on non-nutritious items like soda and candy—a figure projected to reach $240 billion over ten years. The Healthy SNAP Act seeks to prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from contributing to chronic diseases related to poor diet choices.

The bill also includes provisions for reviewing qualified foods every five years based on updated nutrition data. Heritage Action for America endorses this legislation.