A House Oversight subcommittee meeting sparked an intense debate over what kinds of foods taxpayers should subsidize through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Republican Texas Representative Brandon Gill pressed a food security advocate on why the federal program, which provides food for more than 40 million Americans, covers sugary drinks like Coca-Cola.

SNAP Funding Debate

Gill asked Gina Plata-Nino, the director of policy and advocacy for the Food Research and Action Center, to justify allowing SNAP funds to be spent on soft drinks. Plata-Nino shifted the focus to broader food access issues, stating that the country has a hunger crisis that needs to be addressed by ensuring people have the food resources they need.

Nutritional data shows a standard can of Coca-Cola contains 140 calories, 39 grams of carbohydrates, 39 grams of added sugars, zero grams of fat, and zero grams of protein. The exchange comes amid shifting legal and regulatory rules surrounding the program, with an Obama-appointed judge ruling that SNAP recipients can use their benefits to buy unhealthy foods.

The USDA is expanding state-level authority to reshape these guidelines, approving SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy. The department stated that these waivers are a key step in ensuring that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes within SNAP.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.