Healthy SNAP Act of 2025
3/8/2025, 9:06 AMSummary of Bill HR 479
Bill 119 hr 479, also known as the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, aims to make changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill proposes that the Secretary of Agriculture must designate specific food and food products that will be made available under the program. This means that the Secretary will have the authority to determine which types of food can be purchased using SNAP benefits.The purpose of this bill is to potentially improve the nutritional value of the foods that SNAP recipients are able to purchase. By designating certain foods, the hope is that individuals and families participating in the program will have access to healthier options that can contribute to a more balanced diet.
In addition to this main provision, the bill also includes other purposes that are not specified in the summary. It is important to note that this bill does not specify which foods will be designated or how this process will be carried out. These details will likely be determined by the Secretary of Agriculture if the bill is passed into law. Overall, Bill 119 hr 479 seeks to make changes to the SNAP program in order to potentially improve the nutritional quality of the foods available to participants. It is important to monitor the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process to see how it may impact individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits for their food purchases.
Congressional Summary of HR 479
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.
