N.Y. Senator Wants to Remove ‘Luxury Items’ From SNAP Benefits

A New York State Sen. wants to amend a law to put new restrictions on SNAP benefits by preventing junk food and luxury items from being purchased with EBT cards. 

State Sen. Patty Ritchie introduced this bill to limit what can and cannot be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The purpose of the bill is to improve health and better nutrition, according to the memo included with the bill when it was introduced to committee on Wednesday.

Currently "junk foods," like soda, ice cream, candy, cookies and cake, are all permitted purchases but are considered non-essential and subject to state and local sales tax. In addition, "luxury items" such as high-end steak and lobster are also permitted purchases currently.

The new bill states that only food items that are deemed exempt by the Department of Taxation and Finance would be available for purchase. Also, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance are responsible for establishing a list of "luxury items" that are prohibited.

The bill currently is in the next phase and has been sent to the Finance Committee.