Texas House Bill HCR35

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to limit the types of food items eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Impact

If HCR35 is enacted, it could lead to significant changes in the allowable items that SNAP participants can purchase with their benefits. By limiting these purchases to more nutritionally beneficial options, it aims to promote healthier eating habits among low-income households and potentially reduce rates of obesity and related chronic diseases such as diabetes. The resolution highlights the financial burden that unhealthy food purchases place on public health systems, especially as many SNAP participants are also enrolled in Medicaid.

Summary

HCR35 is a concurrent resolution that urges the United States Congress to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The resolution emphasizes concerns regarding the allowance of purchasing certain types of food items that are nutritionally deficient, such as soda, candy, and other snacks high in fat and sugar. It positions these purchases as contradictory to the goals of alleviating hunger and malnutrition, which are central to SNAP's mission. The bill argues that public funding should not support the purchase of products that have minimal nutritional value and contribute to public health issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR35 may arise from differing opinions on food choice within welfare programs. Advocates for the resolution argue that the current regulations allow for irresponsible spending of taxpayer dollars, while opponents may view such restrictions as an infringement on personal freedom. The resolution reflects a broader debate on how best to manage nutritional assistance programs and whether focus should primarily be on supporting public health rather than providing universal food choice.