SNAP Benefits Expansion to Fast-Food Chains Sparks Controversy

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has called for eliminating SNAP benefits from fast-food restaurants, citing significant financial outlays at drive-thru chains in nine states over the last two years.

Ernst highlighted that USDA data reveals $524 million allocated exclusively through fast-food restaurants during this period. She specifically mentioned California’s role with “$475 million of that” amount.

The senator stressed that SNAP benefits should be used for nutrient-dense foods, not items obtained at fast-food outlets like McDonald’s or Burger King. Her sentiment aligns with the common refrain: “The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition, not nuggets with a side of fries.”

Ernst welcomed support from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding tighter oversight to combat fraud and redirect funds to genuinely needy families.

However, she noted that some lawmakers may see this issue as reasonable but anticipate politics will interject its ugly face into the debate.