The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) has expressed support for Representative Brecheen's Healthy SNAP Act, which aims to improve both the physical and fiscal health of the nation. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and desserts using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. It also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that eligible foods align with nutrition science and address public health concerns.
According to FGA, the current food stamp program is not providing a nutritious diet for its participants and is contributing to a nationwide health crisis marked by increasing rates of childhood obesity and diabetes. By restricting purchases of soda—a commonly bought item with food stamps—and candy, lawmakers aim to prioritize health and nutrition while potentially reducing Medicaid costs. States such as Arkansas have already pursued waivers to ban soda and candy from being purchased through SNAP, with other states considering similar measures.
"The food stamps program was designed to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income families, but instead, it’s funding a junk food epidemic," stated Tarren Bragdon, President and Chief Executive Officer at FGA. "Soda, candy, and desserts are the top buys with taxpayer dollars, fueling childhood obesity and driving up costs in other welfare programs like Medicaid."
Bragdon further remarked on Rep. Brecheen's initiative: "Rep. Brecheen’s Healthy SNAP Act is a long-overdue step to fix this mess and bring some common sense back to food stamps." He commended Brecheen and co-sponsors for tackling this issue directly, suggesting that their efforts will save lives and reduce taxpayer expenses.
The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit think tank focused on promoting public policy solutions aimed at enabling every American to achieve the American Dream.