Healthy SNAP Act of 2025
3/12/2025, 2:34 AMSummary of Bill S 561
Bill 119 s 561, 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 certain items will be approved for purchase using SNAP benefits, while others may be restricted.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.
