The impending 2023 Farm Bill may include significant improvements to the SNAP Benefits Program, formerly known as food handouts.
These potential changes aim to make it easier for SNAP beneficiaries to access and afford healthy foods.
SNAP Benefits Program Changes
The US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is actively seeking ideas and proposals for the 2023 Farm Bill, with valuable input from organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
CSPI’s research highlights that one in eight Americans relies on monthly SNAP benefits to put food on the table. However, the shopping experience for SNAP recipients is often marred by the pervasive promotion of unhealthy foods in retail stores.
One crucial recommendation put forth by CSPI is the revision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy requiring SNAP-authorized retailers to stock 36 staple food units. These staple foods form the backbone of home-cooked meals for SNAP beneficiaries. CSPI’s proposal seeks to strengthen these stocking standards, particularly in smaller stores that accept SNAP.
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Short-Term Extensions and Long-Term Visions
Nearly half of SNAP-authorized retail outlets are convenience stores, where supplies of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy foods are harder to find than in conventional supermarkets, as noted by Joelle Johnson, the CSPI campaign manager and report co-author. By improving stocking standards and offering technical support and incentives, Congress can significantly increase access to healthier food options.
Furthermore, CSPI recommends setting placement standards for SNAP retailers, encouraging them to prominently display nutritious foods both in-store and online. This strategic placement could simplify the process of selecting healthier items during shopping.
Additionally, the report suggests funding research pilots aimed at identifying marketing strategies that adapt to in-store and online environments, promoting and incentivizing healthier purchases.
While these proposals hold immense promise, concrete changes might not materialize until the following year.
Some lawmakers have recognized that extending the existing Farm Bill may be the most viable option in the short term, as reported by POLITICO. Nevertheless, these proposals offer a glimpse into a future where SNAP beneficiaries may find it easier to access and afford nutritious foods, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reduced diet-related diseases.
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