Congress Blocks Language to Restrict SNAP Choice

The provision’s removal is a win for SNAP families and retailers.

July 12, 2024

On Wednesday, House appropriators advanced the fiscal year 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bill out of committee, and voted to remove a harmful provision that would have restricted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases.

The provision, championed by Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), would have created a five-state pilot program to prohibit food deemed “unhealthy” from being purchased with SNAP benefits. NACS strongly opposed the provision, which would have created significant operational burdens for SNAP retailers, like grocery and convenience stores. It also would have put store employees in the difficult position of policing SNAP purchases.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (D-GA) introduced an amendment during Wednesday’s markup to strip the provision from the final bill, which was successfully passed by voice vote. Last year, Chairman Harris attempted to pass a similar provision, which was ultimately blocked as well. In both instances, a strong grassroots response by NACS members was instrumental in convincing lawmakers to strip out the harmful language.

“Small format retailers, like convenience stores, serve as critical access points for food for SNAP families when they need it most,” said Margaret Hardin Mannion, NACS manager of government relations. “We’re pleased that Committee members voted to strike this harmful language and safeguard SNAP purchases to keep the program efficient and flexible for families and retailers across the country.”

NACS also joined a coalition letter this week asking Congress to preserve the level of choice that SNAP already allows and to reject restrictions.

“Government control of food choices is challenging for retailers to implement and negatively impacts the customer experience. SNAP was designed to reduce food insecurity by providing customers with a broad range of food choices that allow customers to address dietary, religious or cultural needs without interference,” the letter said. “This increases food access, not just for individuals with low-income, but also for communities where SNAP participation may make the difference for a retailer in keeping its store open.”

The final bill was approved 29-26 by House Appropriations Committee members and is slated for consideration on the House floor the week of July 22.