I am supporting legislation sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson that aims to bring the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) back to its core mission: helping families afford nutritious food while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Senate Bill 2908 would direct the Illinois Department of Human Services to pursue federal authorization to restrict SNAP purchases of items such as candy, sugary soft drinks, energy drinks, and other heavily processed products that contribute to poor health outcomes and rising medical costs.
Research shows a significant share of SNAP spending is currently used on sugary beverages and desserts, products that offer little nutritional benefit and fall outside the program’s original intent.
The proposal maintains full access to essential groceries, including staple foods, fresh produce, and medically necessary nutrition items, while ensuring recipients and retailers receive advance notice and clear guidance before any changes take effect.
Because SNAP is governed by federal law, the bill would simply allow Illinois to request a waiver. No changes could be implemented without approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
I have previously written about the need for commonsense SNAP reforms that prioritize health, accountability, and program integrity. My recent column discussing these issues can be found here.
Senate Bill 2908 is currently assigned to the Senate Assignments Committee.
