(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has passed a bill that could lead to new restrictions on what Iowans may buy with federal food assistance.
If the U-S-D-A grants a waiver from the current list of eligible foods and beverages, Iowans would be limited to using SNAP benefits to buy healthy foods like whole grains, proteins, and fruits and vegetables. Representative Carter Nordman, a Republican from Adel, says the bill sets reasonable guardrails and ensures tax dollars aren’t being used to buy luxury foods like pop, energy drinks and candy that do nothing to alleviate hunger. The bill passed with the support of 56 House Republicans. Eight other Republicans joined 32 House Democrats in opposing it.
Representative Heather Matson, a Democrat from Ankeny, says the bill may not just affect people who go to the grocery store and could impact elderly Iowans who get Meals on Wheels. Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, a Democrat from Ames, says the legislature has no business micromanaging the diets of Iowans.
