Bill > HB2706

This bill directs the director of the Department of Social Services to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families, operates in Missouri. The goal of this waiver is to encourage SNAP recipients to purchase healthier foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy, and whole grains, while discouraging the purchase of highly processed foods that are high in added sugar. If the waiver is granted, any changes made would aim to support the purchase of a diverse range of whole and minimally processed healthy food categories and also support Missouri agriculture. Additionally, the director is instructed to investigate and suggest other methods to further encourage the buying of fresh produce and Missouri-made meat and dairy products within the SNAP program by using and improving existing state programs focused on healthy food education and access.