Summary of H.R. 7580: Nutritionally Deficient Foods SNAP Prohibition Act

Overview

This bill, titled the "Nutritionally Deficient Foods SNAP Prohibition Act", aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the purchase of nutritionally deficient foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits SNAP Benefits for Nutritionally Deficient Foods: The bill would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase any food items that do not meet minimum nutritional standards. This includes restricting the purchase of foods high in sugar, sodium, or unhealthy fats.

• Establishes Nutritional Guidelines: The Secretary of Agriculture would be required to develop and implement nutritional guidelines that define which food items are considered "nutritionally deficient" and ineligible for SNAP purchase.

• Enforcement and Compliance: Retailers participating in SNAP would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the nutritional restrictions. Penalties could be imposed on retailers who knowingly allow the purchase of prohibited items.

Impact and Affected Parties

• SNAP Recipients: This bill would limit the food choices available to the over 40 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to supplement their nutritional needs. It may impact access to certain less healthy but affordable food options.

• Food Retailers: Grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers participating in SNAP would need to adjust their inventory and checkout procedures to comply with the new nutritional requirements.

• Food and Beverage Industry: Manufacturers and distributors of foods deemed "nutritionally deficient" may face reduced demand if they cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.

• Department of Agriculture: The USDA would be responsible for developing the nutritional guidelines and overseeing compliance, potentially requiring additional resources and enforcement mechanisms.

Timeline and Next Steps

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 13, 2026 and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for further consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President, the provisions would likely take effect within 6-12 months to allow time for the USDA to establish the necessary guidelines and for retailers to adapt their systems.