In Iowa, the House Health and Human Services Committee recently voted 14-6 to push forward a bill that would set aside $1 million for the Double Up Food Bucks program. This funding would only happen if new federal rules limit food assistance to healthy options.
Many food security advocates disagree with this approach. They want the funding for Double Up Food Bucks, which helps SNAP recipients double their spending on fruits and vegetables, to be separate from any restrictions on SNAP benefits.
Rep. Rob Johnson, from Des Moines, voiced his concerns, saying, “I do not believe that this bill will accomplish what we are trying to accomplish. I really urge us to take a step back on this one.”
This legislation, known as House Study Bill 216, would only provide that $1 million if Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services can get a waiver from the USDA to limit what foods SNAP can buy.
Before an amendment on Monday, the bill had a specific list of “real” foods it would allow. After the change, it now asks the Department to seek a waiver for “healthy foods based on necessary nutrition for good health,” according to Rep. Carter Nordman, who managed the bill.
Nordman believes the bill promotes healthy eating habits and addresses Iowa’s rising obesity rates. Currently, around 38% of Iowans are classified as obese, and about 15% of Iowa youth face the same issue, as reported by the CDC and the State of Childhood Obesity.
He stated, “This bill is not about policing what people are eating. It’s about helping those in need with taxpayer dollars while ensuring the purchases are nutritional and appropriate.”
However, Luke Elzinga from the Iowa Hunger Coalition expressed concerns that even the amendment feels like it would limit people’s choices. Rep. Tracy Ehlert shared a personal story about her experience with SNAP as a single mother. She emphasized how challenging this bill would be, adding, “SNAP is not a handout. It gives people like me a hand up.”
Some grocery store lobbyists also pointed out that the proposed restrictions could create confusion and might discourage stores from accepting SNAP altogether. Ehlert highlighted the specific dietary needs of some children, noting that they may only eat certain foods, which may not always be the healthiest options.
Despite these concerns, Nordman reassured that items like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese would still be available. He stated, “The idea that this is limited and there are going to be few options is false.”
The bill successfully passed through its first deadline. Additionally, a Senate bill looking to allocate $1 million for the Double Up Food Bucks program without the restrictions on SNAP eligibility is also making progress.
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