The bill proposes an amendment to chapter 208 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section, 208.019, which focuses on the state's administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The director of the Department of Social Services is tasked with preparing and submitting a request for a waiver to the United States Department of Agriculture. This waiver aims to allow Missouri to operate SNAP in a way that prioritizes healthy foods, discourages the purchase of items high in added sugars and ultra-processed foods, and supports local agriculture. Additionally, if the waiver is granted, the alterations will promote the purchase of a variety of whole and minimally processed healthy food categories, including fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy products, whole grains, and legumes. The director is also instructed to explore and recommend further strategies to incentivize the purchase of fresh produce and Missouri-produced meat and dairy products within the SNAP program, leveraging existing healthy food education and access initiatives in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6494H.01): 208.019