0
SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023
12/7/2023, 5:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 2326
One of the key provisions of the bill is an increase in funding for SNAP, which would allow for more individuals and families to receive assistance. The bill also includes measures to improve the nutritional quality of foods available through the program, such as promoting the purchase of fruits and vegetables and limiting the availability of sugary drinks and snacks.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to streamline the application process for SNAP benefits, making it easier for eligible individuals to access the assistance they need. The bill also aims to address issues of food insecurity and hunger by providing additional support for community-based organizations that work to address these issues. Overall, the SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023 seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the SNAP program, ensuring that those in need have access to nutritious food and reducing food insecurity in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 2326
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.
