Oppose Harmful SNAP Restrictions on Missouri Families

I urge you to oppose SB662 (Brattin) and HB1222 (Gragg), which seek to exclude candy and soft drinks from SNAP eligibility. While I respect the intent to promote healthier choices, these bills are a misguided and harmful approach that undermines the dignity of Missourians struggling with food insecurity. SNAP’s purpose is to alleviate hunger, not to police personal dietary decisions. These bills strip low-income families of autonomy, implying they are incapable of making informed choices—a paternalistic stance that perpetuates stigma. Parents, seniors, and disabled individuals on SNAP deserve the same agency as all Missourians to prioritize their household needs. Moreover, the bills' definitions are arbitrary and unworkable. Is a protein bar with chocolate “candy”? What about a 49%-juice beverage? Such ambiguity will burden retailers and create confusion, while USDA compliance costs could divert resources from critical anti-hunger programs. There is no evidence that restricting SNAP purchases improves health outcomes. Studies show SNAP recipients purchase sugary items at rates similar to other consumers. If enacted, families may simply buy these goods with cash, rendering the policy ineffective. True health equity requires expanding access to affordable produce, nutrition education, and healthcare—not punishing poverty with restrictive bans. Finally, these bills distract from systemic issues. Over 700,000 Missourians face food insecurity. Instead of micromanaging grocery carts, let us address root causes: stagnant wages, food deserts, and inadequate safety nets. I urge you to reject SB662 and HB1222. Let us empower—not police—our neighbors in need.