Bill Summary
House Bill 7 requires the director of the Department of Family Services to request a federal waiver so that SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy “accessory foods,” defined as snack and dessert items like chips, ice cream, cookies, candy, and items that complement or supplement meals such as coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, condiments, spices, salt, and sugar. The first waiver request must be submitted to USDA by July 1, 2026, and if it is denied, the director must continue to submit waiver requests each year until one is approved, at which point SNAP purchases of these accessory foods would be prohibited.
House Bill 7 requires the director of the Department of Family Services to request a federal waiver so that SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy “accessory foods,” defined as snack and dessert items like chips, ice cream, cookies, candy, and items that complement or supplement meals such as coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, condiments, spices, salt, and sugar. The first waiver request must be submitted to USDA by July 1, 2026, and if it is denied, the director must continue to submit waiver requests each year until one is approved, at which point SNAP purchases of these accessory foods would be prohibited.
Why It Matters to the Make America Healthy Again Movement
The MAHA Movement supports this bill because it prevents SNAP dollars from being spent on junk food and ultra‑processed products, redirecting limited nutrition assistance toward real, nourishing food. By targeting soda, candy, chips, desserts, and similar items that drive metabolic disease and poor health, HB 7 aligns with MAHA’s goal of using public nutrition programs to support genuine, whole‑food nutrition rather than subsidizing the ultra‑processed food industry.