The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is opposing a bill that would ban people from buying soda and candy with their food stamp benefits.
SB 662, sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville), 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.
“There’s no evidence to support the claim that SNAP restrictions will improve health,” said Sally Hargis, vice president and chairman of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. “Restrictions will allow bureaucrats to decide what’s healthy and what’s not. It’s well intentioned, but it smacks of elitism. I don’t want to be accused of telling someone else how to live their life.”
Hargis testified before the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, raising concerns about the reputational impact to her business.
Missouri Chamber Director of Legislative Affairs Jared Hankinson echoed those concerns.
“We also are concerned with the potential negative implications for industry and employers if this is passed,” Hankinson said. “This could create a narrative that Missouri is unfriendly to businesses, and that could lead to fewer jobs. That could lead to more people needing to use SNAP benefits because they can’t find employment.”
Hankinson also said that the bill’s definitions are overly broad and could lead to foods like granola bars being banned.
“There are food items that we might not classify as candy or soft drinks that might be worked into those definitions,” Hankinson said.
Earlier this month, a similar bill – HB 1222 – failed to make it out of a Missouri House committee.
For more information, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
