Why the Government’s Plan to Control What People Buy with Food Assistance Won't Make America Healthier

President Donald Trump's nominee for the Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has a big goal: he wants to make America healthy again. 

While Kennedy has some unique ideas, like opposing vaccine requirements and supporting raw milk, he's also focusing on good things like preventing chronic diseases and managing how prescription drugs are advertised.

A major part of his plan is to stop people from buying junk food with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, better known to many as food stamps. This idea has caused a lot of debates among health experts. 

As researchers focused on public health, we believe in the importance of a healthy diet and nutrition. We’ve seen how SNAP benefits help millions of Americans avoid hunger.

However, we're convinced that making SNAP benefits more restricted won't really help make Americans healthier.

Check out: Everything You Need to Know about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
 

Why the Idea of Restricting SNAP Won't Work

Even if Kennedy wants to change SNAP rules, it's not that simple. Historically, ideas to ban certain foods from SNAP have popped up often but haven't gone anywhere. The USDA hasn't permitted these changes, although Congress has the power to alter SNAP policies through legislation like the Farm Bill.

The Trump administration, including Kennedy, showed interest in these restrictions. Yet, our research and that of others suggest that tighter rules on SNAP won't effectively lead to a healthier America. 

Everyone, regardless of income, tends to make unhealthy food choices to some extent. Focusing on SNAP users’ choices might unfairly stigmatize an essential program that prevents hunger.

Eating well on a tight budget is challenging. Poorer areas often have more fast-food options and fewer healthy choices. Furthermore, diet is just one part of many factors contributing to chronic diseases; exercise, environment, stress, and genetics also play roles.

SNAP benefits offer flexibility, allowing recipients to buy foods that fit their health and cultural needs. The program doesn't cover all the food needs of those who rely on it, but it significantly helps prevent hunger.

Encouraging healthier choices could be done in positive ways, like creating incentive programs for buying fruits and vegetables with SNAP. The USDA has started supporting such initiatives, showing there are better ways to improve health without adding restrictions.

Read more: SNAP Benefits See Significant Changes in 2025: What Families Need to Know

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