Senate panel advances bill asking Idaho to seek federal waiver to bar candy and most sodas from SNAP purchases

The Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 109 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation, advancing legislation that would direct the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to request a federal waiver to exclude candy and most sugar‑sweetened beverages from purchases made with SNAP benefits.

Sponsor Senator Ben Toews, state senator for District 4, told the committee the bill is intended to align SNAP purchases with the program’s stated purpose. "The actual purpose of the SNAP program ... is to provide a nutritious diet to low‑income households," Toews said, and he cited a USDA Food and Nutrition Service report saying sugary drinks and prepared desserts account for roughly one‑fifth of SNAP spending.

Proponents framed the bill as a public‑health measure and a stewardship action. Brian Sickman of the Make America Healthy Project said state demonstration waivers are a practical route to change and described HB 109 as "a strong first step." Roy Leonardson of FGA Action said taxpayers subsidize products…