Bill > HR479

This bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) by requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to establish more specific guidelines about the types of food that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The bill expands the definition of eligible food items by mandating that the Secretary designate approved foods within 180 days of enactment, focusing on nutritional value. When making these designations, the Secretary must consider foods that contain nutrients lacking in the typical American diet, promote population health, and reflect current nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. The bill also prohibits SNAP benefits from being used to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco, soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts like cakes and cookies. Additionally, the Secretary is required to review and potentially update the list of approved foods at least every five years to ensure it reflects the most current scientific understanding of nutrition. An interesting provision allows state agencies to substitute designated food items with culturally equivalent alternatives, with the Secretary's approval, to accommodate diverse eating patterns.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/479/all-info