Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) sent a letter to House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and Ranking Member David Scott (GA-13) requesting they include legislation in this year’s Farm Bill that would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars from being used to purchase soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts.

Kids are eating 150 times more sugar than they did 100 years ago. Our disastrous food policies are wreaking havoc and destroying the metabolic health of the American people. it is imperative to incentivize healthy outcomes that will save the American taxpayer billions in future healthcare costs.

This change in what SNAP benefits can purchase could lead to beneficiaries spending SNAP dollars on products like beef, which is an excellent source of protein and includes essential nutrients such as vitamins, zinc, and iron, instead of sugary sodas and desserts. The revenue would also go to the family farm, not large multinational corporations.

“I am proud to represent the people of Montana who produce the best beef in the world,” said Rep. Rosendale. “The 2024 Farm Bill must be focused on helping farmers have economic security and ensuring consumers have proper access to healthy, nutritious food. The American taxpayer should not be forced to subsidize the purchase of unhealthy, nutrient-lacking food that increases healthcare costs and shortens lifespans.”