Republican bills put taxpayer-funded junk food on the chopping block

Multiple Republican lawmakers are pushing proposals to ban the purchase of unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is meant to help low-income families.

Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, introduced the Funding Is Zero for Zero Nutrition Options (FIZZ-NO) Act of 2025, which would block purchases of sodas with SNAP benefits - the text defines soda as "a carbonated beverage that contains more than 1 gram of added sugar, artificial sweetener, or flavoring per serving."

"Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive. The FIZZ-NO Act is a common-sense solution to strengthen public health and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers," Self said in a statement included in a press release.

The Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025 would put the kibosh on SNAP purchases of "any nonalcoholic beverage that is not water, cow's milk, a milk-substitute beverage (such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk), or 100 percent juice," plus "snack and dessert food items," described in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service "Accessory Foods List." 

That list includes various items such as potato and corn chips, pretzels, doughnuts, cookies, ice cream and more.

"It makes no sense that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund an epidemic of obesity and diet-related illness in low-income communities. My bill ensures that this assistance program actually supports health and wellness, not chronic disease," Paul said, according to a press release.

A group of GOP lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are pushing the Healthy SNAP Act of 2025.

The measure would target "soft drinks, candy, ice cream, prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products," and call for the Agriculture Secretary to "conduct a scientific review" of foods allowed under SNAP at least every 5 years.

"American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans," Lee said, according to a press release. "The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition."