Missouri Senator’s bill would remove candy, sugary soda from SNAP-eligible list

Should you be able to use SNAP benefits to buy sugary drinks and candy?

Missouri State Senator Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) says no.

Senate Bill 662, sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, would exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if approved by the federal government.

“Americans consume 300 percent of their daily value everyday of sugar, leading to heart diabetes, diabetes, all this, and the taxpayers are footing the bill,” Brattin told NewsTalk KZRG.

“The number one item purchased with SNAP benefits is soda!” Brattin says.

“It’s not eggs, meats, or cheese or making sure little Timmy and little Susie have all the nutrients to be healthy boys and girls. It’s making them fat and unhealthy.”

But not everyone agrees with the bill. Some say removing sugar-filled items smacks of elitism.

Spokespersons with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce have said the bill could hurt business.

Senator Brattin was elected in 2020 to represent Missouri’s 31st Senatorial District.

He is a former auditor of Cass County and previously served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, from 2010-2018, representing the 55th District in Cass County.