U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Mike Lee Introduce Healthy SNAP Act, Fight to Stop Tax Dollars from Subsidizing Junk Food

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Healthy SNAP Act to exclude soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“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,” said Senator Britt. “The Healthy SNAP Act is a meaningful step forward to help Make America Healthy Again. I will continue to work with HHS Secretary Kennedy, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, and the rest of President Trump’s team to accomplish this.”

The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that eligible foods promote the health of SNAP recipients and reflect nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. The bill also requires a review of foods qualified under SNAP every five years to ensure that new and relevant nutrition data is reflected in SNAP food guidelines. 

The purpose of SNAP is to alleviate hunger and improve the nutrition and health of eligible recipients. Nutrient-poor products like sugary sodas do not alleviate hunger nor do they improve nutrition.

“American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans,” said Senator Lee. “The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition.”

SNAP exists to provide nutritious food to low-income Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Over 42 million people, roughly 1 in 8 Americans, are currently receiving SNAP benefits. However, over 20 percent of all SNAP dollars are used to purchase soda, candy, desserts, and other junk food items, which is projected to total $240 billion over the next decade. 

“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. It’s time to use our SNAP dollars wisely, to incentivize and provide healthier options in low-income areas so all Americans can live healthier and longer. We need more government dollars going towards food that actually provides health rather than take it away – this starts with removing the junk,” said Vani Hari, Founder of Food Babe & Truvani.

One of the key aspects of President Trump’s agenda is to “Make America Healthy Again,” and one of the ways to work toward that goal is to prevent SNAP dollars from being used to purchase junk food that fuels the rise of chronic disease in the United States. Obesity and its associated comorbidities cost the United States healthcare system nearly $173 billion every year. Taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits should not continue to fund the growth of chronic disease in the United States. 

“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 money should be going to American farmers and ranchers, not soda companies. This bill will ensure that,” said Calley Means, Founder of Truemed.

Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The full text of the bill can be viewed here.

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