A House Appropriations subcommittee approved on a voice vote on Tuesday a USDA-FDA funding bill that would create a pilot program to keep SNAP recipients from buying “unhealthy” foods. Subcommittee chairman Rep. Andy Harris proposed the same idea a year ago but it was ultimately dropped.
“Why pick that fight again?” asked Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop, the senior Democrat on the subcommittee.
“Let’s pilot the idea. Let’s have an evaluation,” said Harris, Maryland Republican. His “SNAP Choice” proposal would create a five-state pilot project running for three years that would restrict the foods eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Harris said the restrictions would encourage purchase of fruits and vegetables.
An analysis of his 2023 proposal said it would make soda, processed foods, and candy off limits while steering SNAP recipients toward nutrient-dense foods aligned with the Dietary Guidelines.
Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro criticized the Harris proposal as paternalistic meddling in the grocery store.
At latest count, 41.2 million Americans received SNAP benefits of an average $189 per person per month.
To watch a video of the half-hour subcommittee meeting or to read a summary of the USDA-FDA bill or the text of the bill, click here.