Missouri bill would ban purchase of soda and candy with SNAP benefits

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A bill sponsored by Rep. Jamie Gragg (R-Ozark) would prevent Missourians using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from buying soda and candy with their benefits.

Gragg presented House Bill 1222 during a hearing Tuesday afternoon, where he argued the SNAP program no longer meets its goal to provide a nutritious diet. He called the program "bastardized," saying the bill is meant to undue harmful updates to SNAP.

"The program is failing to provide a nutritious diet for enrollees," Gragg said.

Before the subcommittee, Gragg argued taxpayers are funding child obesity and need to be ensured their money is being spent wisely.

Under the bill "candy" is considered a food product containing sugar, honey or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the forms of bars, drops or pieces.

"Soft drinks" under the bill are considered nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks shall not include beverages that contain milk or milk products; soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes; or contain greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume," under the bill.

During the hearing, Rep. Doug Clemons (D-St.Louis) asked why honey is considered candy under the bill.

"It's not necessarily the honey, everything is permissible, it's the excess," Gragg said.

"Wouldn't we be restricting honey itself if it's something that includes honey itself so you can't get honey for your toast in the morning?" Clemons asked.

"No, that's not it at all," Gragg replied. "It's honey snacks."

Opponents argue families should not be limited to what food they purchase and instead government should be incentivizing healthier options. Those in favor of the bill say taxpayers are funding obesity.

Food security policy manager with Empower Missouri Christina Woody said, "locally grown fruits and vegetables with money is a better investment than limited food choice."

Gragg claimed 40% of SNAP recipients are obese and they're more vulnerable to nutrition-related diseases such as diabetes.

The SNAP program is federally regulated and limits the purchase of alcohol, hot food and tobacco.

However, Gragg said candy and soda need to be added to the list. "Food stamps are fueling the junk food epidemic with soda ranking as the number one commodity brought with food stamps," he said.

A similar candy-soda ban has been proposed at the federal level.

Missouri Beverage Association lobbyist Katie Gamble argued during the hearing that the definition of soda and candy in the bill is too broad and questioned what the legislation is targeting.

"You can't buy Powerade, so if you're an athlete and your family is on SNAP, you can't have Powerade after practice but you can buy full-sugar, milked bottled coffee," Gamble said.

Woody argued those enrolled in the program who live near state lines can cross the border to purchase unhealthy options if the bill is passed.

The Columbia Farmers Market and other farmers markets in the state allow healthy options by matching SNAP and WIC benefits for families with children under the age of 19 and people with disabilities.

The subcommittee has not scheduled a vote on the bill.