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Debate over SNAP restrictions pits public-health goals against retailer implementation concerns
Summary
Senate Bill 354, which would direct Montana to seek a federal waiver to bar SNAP purchases of candy and sugar-sweetened beverages, drew support from health groups and some SNAP families and strong opposition from retailers, food banks and convenience-store associations citing implementation costs and equity concerns.
Senator Daniel Zolnicov opened the House Health and Human Services hearing on Senate Bill 354, saying the bill would request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make categories such as soda and candy ineligible for SNAP purchases. "This bill is meant to try to curtail that," Zolnicov said, arguing the measure aims to improve nutrition paid for with taxpayer-funded benefits.
Proponents included physicians, the Montana Medical Association and nutrition advocates who said restricting SNAP purchases of low-nutrition items could reduce obesity and healthcare costs. Jean Branscum,…
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