Bill > HB1889

This bill directs the Missouri Department of Social Services to apply for a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The waiver aims to modify SNAP to prioritize the purchase of healthy foods and discourage the purchase of highly processed, sugar-laden products. If granted, the waiver would support the purchase of nutritious food categories including fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins like meat and fish, dairy products, whole grains, and legumes. Additionally, the bill instructs the department to explore strategies to further encourage SNAP recipients to buy fresh produce and Missouri-produced meat and dairy products by leveraging existing state healthy food education and access programs. This proposed change reflects a growing interest in using food assistance programs to promote better nutrition and support local agriculture.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1889&year=2026&code=R