Modifies provisions relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Summary
SB 662 would require the Missouri Department of Social Services to seek federal approval to change what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Specifically, the bill directs the department to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods under federal SNAP rules. If the waiver is approved, the department must prohibit SNAP purchases of those items; if not, it must keep requesting the waiver each year until it is granted.
The bill defines “candy” and “soft drinks” for purposes of the restriction. Candy is defined broadly to include sugar- or sweetener-based confections with ingredients such as chocolate, fruit, nuts, or flavorings. Soft drinks are defined as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages, with exceptions for milk-based drinks, soy or rice substitutes, and beverages that are more than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume.
Impact
If enacted, SB 662 would amend Missouri law by adding a new section to Chapter 208, RSMo, governing SNAP administration. The practical effect would be to place a state-level restriction on the use of SNAP benefits for candy and soft drinks, but only if the federal government grants the requested waiver. Because SNAP is federally regulated, the bill does not itself immediately change eligible food categories; instead, it requires ongoing waiver requests and would affect SNAP recipients, retailers that accept EBT, and the Department of Social Services if approval is obtained.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to reflect a policy preference for limiting SNAP purchases of sugary foods and beverages. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support is documented here. The bill’s structure suggests an intent to align SNAP with nutrition-focused restrictions, while acknowledging federal control over program eligibility.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the policy and administrative question of whether Missouri should seek to restrict SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks, and whether such restrictions are an appropriate use of the program. Another likely issue is federal preemption: the bill depends on a USDA waiver, so critics could argue it may be difficult to implement or may burden the Department of Social Services with repeated waiver requests. Supporters would likely emphasize nutrition and public health goals, while opponents may raise concerns about limiting recipient choice, stigmatizing low-income households, and the effectiveness of such restrictions.