Background: Cases of Pepsi soda; Left: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Right Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah (Background: Kevin Carter/Getty Images; Left: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Right: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025 would put the kibosh on SNAP purchases of "any nonalcoholic beverage that is not water, cow’s milk, a milk-substitute beverage (such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk), or 100 percent juice," plus "snack and dessert food items," described in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service "Accessory Foods List."
That list includes various items such as potato and corn chips, pretzels, doughnuts, cookies, ice cream and more.
"It makes no sense that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund an epidemic of obesity and diet-related illness in low-income communities. My bill ensures that this assistance program actually supports health and wellness, not chronic disease," Paul said, according to a press release.
TEXAS LAWMAKERS CONSIDER MEASURE PROHIBITING SNAP BENEFITS FROM BEING USED TO PURCHASE JUNK FOOD
Hershey Co. Reese's Sticks brand wafer bars at a store in Crockett, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans," Lee said, according to a press release. "The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition."
Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-bills-put-taxpayer-funded-junk-food-chopping-block