<p>Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) introduced a bill in the House on Thursday aimed at banning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries from using their food stamps at restaurants.</p>
<p>SNAP benefits are generally designated for grocery purchases, but the federal program includes an initiative that permits beneficiaries to obtain hot meals at select fast-food establishments, including McDonald's and Subway.</p>
<p>The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program has incurred costs exceeding half a billion dollars in taxpayer funds across nine participating states from June 2023 to May 2025, according to the New York Post.</p>
<p>“Taxpayers are footing the bill for fast food through SNAP. More than $524 million was spent at restaurants through this loophole in just two years,” Gill stated on X. “Today, I introduced legislation to end the fast-food loophole and refocus SNAP on nutritious groceries for struggling Americans.”</p>
<p>The Washington Examiner reached out to Gill’s office to request a copy of the bill’s text.</p>
<p>States including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia provide hot meals to eligible SNAP beneficiaries in partnership with participating restaurants.</p>
<p>While the bill would restrict restaurant purchases, the Ending Restaurant Purchases with SNAP Act would still permit public and nonprofit organizations to provide meals for SNAP beneficiaries, as reported by the New York Post.</p>
<p>The topic arose during a congressional hearing in June when Gill questioned a Democratic witness regarding the appropriateness of using food stamps for unhealthy products, such as soda.</p>
<p>“Do the American people need Coca-Cola to survive?” he asked SNAP Director for the Food Research and Action Center, Gina Plata-Nino, who did not directly respond. “I think most people can rationally say that you don’t need Coca-Cola to survive,” Gill remarked after giving her a chance to answer.</p>
<p>A month following the hearing, Gill signed a letter led by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) expressing opposition to the use of SNAP benefits for fast food. The newly introduced bill represents the latest effort by Gill on this issue.</p>