Healthy SNAP Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-03-08T09:06:55Z

Explore the details of House Bill 479 Healthy SNAP Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Agriculture and Food. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/8/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary 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.

Current Status of Bill HR 479

Bill HR 479 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 16, 2025. Bill HR 479 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 16, 2025. Bill HR 479's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. as of February 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 479

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 479

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 479

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the Secretary to designate food and food products to be made available under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.

Comments

Roland Baxter

430

8 months ago

This bill gonna make changes to SNAP program. It gonna require more healthy food options for people on SNAP. It also gonna provide incentives for buying fruits and veggies. This bill gonna help people eat better and be healthier. I think it's a good idea.