New bill filed could ban junk food from SNAP

A new bill filed in Frankfort would exclude junk foods and other foods of low nutritional value from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Rep. Matt Lockett of Nicholasville who filed the measure, HB 279, says the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contributes to the country’s obesity and diabetes epidemic. 

“Government assistance programs should put those they serve first and prioritize health outcomes alongside combating hunger,” Lockett said. 

One in every two Americans has or is at risk of developing diabetes, and roughly 74% of American adults suffer from obesity. Adults on food stamps have a higher rate of obesity compared to nonparticipants with similar incomes.

According to the USDA, soft drinks are the most purchased items through the SNAP program. If passed, the bill would exclude junk food or accessory food. 

Items in this category include:

Purchases of soft drinks, desserts, and candy exceed SNAP’s combined sales of fruit and vegetables by 400 million dollars a year.

“The health and welfare of SNAP participants should be the main priority of this program,” Lockett added. “Chronic disease disproportionally affects our low-income population in large part due to the government funding of unhealthy foods. These foods lead our most vulnerable into a lifetime of chronic disease. SNAP should alleviate hunger, not worsen our national health crisis.”

For more information on HB 279 please go to legislature.ky.gov or click here.

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