Rubio calls for SNAP to exclude soda and desserts
Jack Birle
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Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is calling for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to exclude soda and “prepared desserts” as part of proposed reforms to the food stamp program.
Rubio said in an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal that SNAP “is in dire need of reform.” He cited nutrition concerns for the general population.
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“Though SNAP is meant to supplement nutrition, more than 20% of all program spending goes to unhealthy food and drink. Taxpayers are projected to spend $240 billion on junk food, with more than $60 billion going exclusively to soda, over the next decade. Equally important are the health consequences for those relying on the program,” Rubio said in the op-ed.
“This subsidization of junk food is fueling American health crises,” he added.
The senior Florida senator then expressed concern over the public health ramifications of around 40% of adults in the United States being considered obese and nearly half having diabetes or prediabetes.
Rubio says his proposed bill would change the program from allowing sodas and “prepared desserts” to instead focus on healthier foods and drinks.
“Such common-sense reform would promote healthier diets at no additional cost and, in the long run, reduce medical expenses. It would also begin to address food deserts in low-income neighborhoods. If soft drinks and sweets are no longer SNAP-eligible, corner stores and supermarkets will have more incentive to stock healthier foods,” Rubio said.
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The Florida Republican also cited Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s calls for the program to be reworked in 2018 with a focus on nutrition.
Rubio used those statements as a rationale that the SNAP reform can be bipartisan.