WASHINGTON – Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa says that after the Biden administration “massively expanded” the number of restaurants eligible to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, she is releasing bombshell data exposing that $524 million has been spent, almost exclusively on fast food, in just nine states over the past two years – and she has a bill to shut it all down.
To stop this abuse and restore the SNAP program to its original mission of providing nutrition to food insecure Americans, Ernst is introducing the McStopping Chains from Using SNAP EBT to Make Entrees (McSCUSE ME) Act.
“The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition – not nuggets with a side of fries,” said Ernst. “I wish I was McRibbing you, but $250 million per year at the drive through is no joke and a serious waste of tax dollars. I hate to be the one to say McSCUSE ME, but something needs to be done because taxpayers are not lovin’ it.”
State by state spending breakdown of SNAP dollars being redeemed, primarily at fast food restaurants, from June 2023 to May 2025:
Oregon is also currently in the process of launching a program.
Click here to view the bill.
Background:
In 1977, Congress created an exception to the “hot and prepared food” restriction in the SNAP program through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The intent was to allow homeless individuals who lack access to kitchens or food preparation facilities to purchase prepared meals using SNAP benefits.
11 thoughts on “Senator Joni Ernst aims to halt SNAP users from eating fast food courtesy of taxpayers”
Wow they can enjoy a meal out once in a while. I bet she eats out all the time. Good riddance Joni!
Does she use food stamps?
Do you? What difference does that make? Can’t stand seeing someone less fortunate than yourself get something they need? Poor baby.
working for a living. Ones that can’t need help. You Keep writing checks to people who don’t want to work
Work requirements for SNAP went into effect in 1996!
Long past time to enforce that … and scour the app’s for fraud. IMO, give the bumbs a box with basic foodstuffs inside. No more free reign in the grocery stores and restaurants. Shut all that down. The actually-deserving, maybe give them a little more leeway.
Most likely another form paid for by the tax payer.
I think you’re wrong Joni. They can make worse food choices at the grocery store and fast food is an option. It may not be the best option.
I just saw the article about our Secretary of Ag telling us that McDonalds food was good for us. Must be good for rich people.
Yes, they spent a lot of money at fast food places, but at least they ate.
There are worse ways to shorten your life.