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SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023
2/5/2024, 11:45 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4909
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of providing incentives for SNAP participants to purchase fruits and vegetables. This program would aim to improve the nutritional quality of foods purchased with SNAP benefits and promote healthier eating habits among recipients.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to streamline the application process for SNAP benefits, making it easier for eligible individuals to access the assistance they need. It also seeks to improve the accuracy of benefit calculations and reduce errors in the administration of the program. Overall, the SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023 aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the SNAP program, ensuring that low-income individuals and families have access to the nutritious food they need to lead healthy lives.
Congressional Summary of HR 4909
SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023
This bill expands the policy of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include reducing food insecurity, increasing nutrition security, and improving diet quality for low-income people in the United States. It also requires additional related reporting by states and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The bill defines (1) food security as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life; (2) nutrition security as consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being; and (3) diet quality as the extent to which a set of foods aligns with key recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Under current requirements, a state agency that provides nutrition education and obesity prevention services under SNAP must submit an annual report to USDA. The bill requires the report to include (1) state actions taken to enhance the food and nutrition security of SNAP participants, and (2) recommendations regarding administering SNAP in a manner that would enhance state food and nutrition security in the state.
Further, USDA must submit an annual report to Congress on U.S. food security, nutrition security, and diet quality.
USDA must use data collected from retail stores participating in SNAP to submit a report to Congress at least every four years on food sales in SNAP. The report must be made publicly available and include an analysis of the specific food items acquired with SNAP benefits by eligible households.
