Prohibits the purchase of food items which are not nutritional with food stamps

BILL NUMBER:A10965

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to prohibiting the purchase of food items which are not nutritional with food stamp program coupons or other access devices relating thereto

Purpose or general idea of bill

Prohibits the purchase of food items which are not nutritional with food stamps

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill establishes "Snap Back Into Shape Act" as the short title.

Section 2 amends subdivision 7 of section 95 of the social services law to include all other access devices, and defines the purchase of any non-nutritional food items as an unauthorized use of food stamps and other access devices, This bill also defines "non-nutritional" food as containing (a) at least 400mg of salt per serving, or (b) 37.5g of sugar per 100g serving,

Justification

While the state cannot tell its citizens to eat nutritional food, it can choose to no longer supplement non-healthy lifestyles. The SNAP Program, and all food stamps and other access devices associated with the program, are intended to supplement the daily nutritional diet of citizens who cannot afford to meet their daily nutritional requirements without assistance. However, the SNAP Program only lists a few exclusions, such as alcohol and cigarettes, while including chips, soda, candy bars, and other staples of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Participants of the SNAP Program can still purchase unhealthy foods if they choose to do so. But the people of New York will no longer foot that bill.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill

Fiscal implications

None of note.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.