OKC Standard

Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Healthy SNAP Act in Washington D.C. The proposed legislation aims to exclude items such as soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. It also mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture ensure eligible food items promote health and reflect current nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns.

Fox News' Liz Elkind provided an exclusive report on the bill.

Congressman Brecheen stated, "President Trump has been given a mandate by the majority of Americans to Make America Healthy Again, and those in his administration, like RFK Jr. and Senator Marco Rubio, have directly advocated for eliminating junk food purchases with SNAP. This legislation advances President Trump’s agenda by ensuring that SNAP is used for nutritious foods rather than junk foods and soda that contribute to long-term health issues."

He added that taxpayers should not be expected to cover both the cost of unhealthy food purchases through SNAP and the resulting health consequences. He referenced Oliver Anthony's viral song "Rich Men North of Richmond," saying: “Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds.”

Currently, over 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits—approximately 1 in 8 people. More than 20% of federal SNAP spending goes towards purchasing junk foods and sugary drinks, with sugary drinks alone accounting for 10%. Approximately 75% of adults and around 33% of children in the United States are overweight or obese.

Brecheen highlighted potential taxpayer savings from reduced Medicaid expenses if the bill passes. According to a Senate Joint Economic Committee report from 2023, federally funded healthcare costs related to obesity have reached $400 billion annually.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Mary Miller (R-IL), and David Schweikert (R-AZ).

For press inquiries: Darren.Dershem@mail.house.gov