MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – The Wisconsin State Assembly passed a bill that would restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from being able to purchase soda and candy with their benefits.

Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) is one of the lawmakers behind the bill. He believes it ensures benefits are used to support healthier choices.

“SNAP should help people eat better and live healthier lives,” Moses said. “When taxpayer-funded benefits are routinely spent on products that contribute to chronic disease, it hurts families and drives up Medicaid costs for everyone.”

Eighteen other states have similar restrictions that will go into place at some point in 2026. According to the USDA website, “The Trump Administration is leading bold reform to strengthen integrity and restore nutritional value within SNAP.”

Opponents of the bill say it limits options for those living in poverty. Neel Patel at Bayview Supermarket says customers who qualify for SNAP benefits have already fallen on hard times and this bill could make it even harder for families.

“Limiting what people can eat to that extent, it becomes a sticky situation,” Patel said. “I think you let people eat what they want to eat, I think you let people drink what you want to drink.”

The bill would need to be approved by the Wisconsin State Senate and Governor Tony Evers would have to sign it to become law.