by Springfield, IL – Illinois lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would restrict what recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can buy, with supporters arguing it could improve public health outcomes while critics warn it may limit access for low-income residents. The debate centers on whether taxpayer-funded benefits should be used to purchase candy, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.
The proposal comes as other states explore similar restrictions, highlighting a growing national conversation about nutrition, affordability, and personal choice within federal food assistance programs.
Bill Seeks to Restrict Purchases of Sugary, Processed Foods
The legislation, Senate Bill 2908, was introduced by state Sen. Neil Anderson, who said the measure is intended to ensure SNAP dollars are spent on healthier options. If approved, the bill would direct the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to seek federal authorization to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used on items such as candy and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Anderson said the proposal has been overdue.
“This has been necessary for quite a while,” Anderson said, adding that the goal is to make sure taxpayer dollars for SNAP aren’t being spent on junk food.
Supporters Cite Health Concerns Among SNAP Recipients
Backers of the bill argue that limiting certain purchases could help reduce diet-related illnesses among low-income populations. Anderson pointed to data showing higher rates of obesity and diabetes among SNAP recipients.
“For low-income people on SNAP, we want to make sure that they are getting the best food possible nutritionally, so that they’re not chronically ill, whether it’s obesity or diabetes or what have you,” he said.
Under the proposal, IDHS would oversee implementation only if federal approval is granted, operating within the boundaries set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP at the national level.
“They would have some say in the oversight, but it would be pretty narrow based on the USDA,” Anderson explained.
Similar Efforts Emerging in Other States
Illinois is not alone in considering restrictions on SNAP purchases. Ohio is moving forward with plans to limit the use of SNAP benefits for carbonated sugary drinks and potentially other high-sugar items, with new rules expected to take effect this year.
Supporters in Illinois say these efforts reflect a broader shift toward aligning nutrition assistance programs with public health goals.
Lawmaker Says Proposal Preserves Personal Choice
Anderson emphasized that the bill would not prevent people from buying sugary snacks or soda altogether. Instead, it would limit the use of SNAP funds for those items.
“This doesn’t mean that people can’t buy, you know, sugary snacks or soda,” he said.
“They would just have to do so with their own money and not SNAP.”
He added that the legislation is rooted in concerns about long-term health costs and the role of taxpayer funding.
“The data was there just to show how chronically ill these people are and how SNAP benefits or taxpayer funds shouldn’t be contributing to that,” Anderson said.
Critics Warn of Food Desert Challenges
Opponents of the bill argue that it could disproportionately affect residents living in food deserts, where access to full-service grocery stores is limited. In some neighborhoods, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven may be the only nearby option for food purchases.
Anderson acknowledged the concern but said healthier choices are still available even in those settings.
“Even at 7-Elevens, there are still healthier options than candy and soda,” he said.
“Obviously we need to do more, but we’re working on that legislatively.”
State Investments Aim to Improve Food Access
Illinois has committed funding to address food access issues statewide. Through the Illinois Grocery Initiative, the state has allocated $20 million to support existing grocery stores and encourage new development in underserved areas.
Additional grant rounds have provided roughly $7.9 million in 2024 and more than $10 million in 2025 for store upgrades and new grocery locations, efforts supporters say could ease concerns about limited options if SNAP restrictions are approved.
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