SB 379 – Limits SNAP on Junk Food

SB 379 promotes responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by ensuring that government assistance is used for essential nutrition rather than discretionary or unhealthy food items. While the original Senate version covered a wide variety of unhealthy drinks and snacks, the House Substitute has narrowed the bill significantly by only including sugary drinks. The bill should be amended to return the bill to its original Senate version. By restricting SNAP benefits from covering sugary and processed drinks and snacks, the bill aims to reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with obesity and diet-related illnesses, which are often subsidized by public funds. This policy encourages healthier purchasing habits, fostering self-reliance and financial accountability among recipients. Additionally, the bill ensures that this taxpayer-funded program aligns with its intended purpose—providing basic nutritional support rather than subsidizing junk food consumption.