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Healthy SNAP Act of 2025
3/12/2025, 2:34 AM
Summary of Bill S 561
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that SNAP recipients have access to nutritious and essential food items, while also potentially limiting the purchase of unhealthy or non-essential products. By designating which foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits, the bill aims to promote healthier eating habits among program participants.
Overall, Bill 119 s 561 seeks to improve the effectiveness and impact of the SNAP program by providing clearer guidelines on the types of food that can be purchased with benefits. This legislation may have implications for both SNAP recipients and food retailers who participate in the program.
Congressional Summary of S 561
Healthy SNAP Act of 2025
This bill amends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to redefine the foods eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Under the bill, SNAP benefits may not be used for soft drinks, candy, ice cream, or prepared desserts, such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products.
Further, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must designate by regulation foods and food products to include in the SNAP definition of the term food. USDA must consider food and products that (1) based on nutrition research, contain nutrients lacking in the diets of people in the United States; and (2) promote the health of the population served by SNAP, based on relevant nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. USDA must also, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the fat, sugar, and salt content of the food and food products are appropriate. At least every five years, USDA must review and amend the list.
In addition, prepared meals purchased with SNAP benefits must have nutritional values consistent with standards developed by USDA for the list of food and food products.
A state agency may substitute different foods for food USDA designated under this bill, with USDA approval, so long as the foods are nutritionally equivalent; this is permitted to allow for different cultural eating patterns.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 561
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 561
Total Number of Sponsors
4Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
4Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
9Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
9Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 561
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 561
Comments
Keaton Garner
9 months ago
I am opposed to this bill. It is concerning that the Secretary would have the power to designate what food and food products are available under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. This could potentially limit access to essential items for those in need, including myself. #USBill561 #SNAP #FoodAssistance
Adriana Roberts
9 months ago
So, like, what's up with this bill? How does it even work? I don't really get it, but I don't think it's gonna benefit me at all. Who even benefits from this thing anyway?
