Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has called on the federal government to exclude fast-food restaurants from accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. During an appearance Wednesday on National Report by Newsmax, Ernst highlighted findings that revealed hundreds of millions of dollars in SNAP spending occurring at drive-thru chains in just nine states over a two-year period.
“During the Biden administration era, they did expand those SNAP benefits to allow for fast-food restaurants,” Ernst stated, referring to data uncovered through her review. She noted specifically that “nine states utilized $524 million exclusively at fast-food restaurants,” with “$475 million concentrated in California.”
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Ernst framed her proposal as a return to the program’s original intent. “SNAP benefits are meant for nutrient-dense foods,” she emphasized. “We know that type of sustenance simply isn’t found at fast-food restaurants.”
Her remarks align with a recent statement where she criticized this spending and advocated for stricter usage guidelines, famously saying, “The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition, not nuggets with a side of fries.” She also mentioned her appreciation for Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins backing increased oversight to redirect resources toward families facing genuine need.
Rollins had previously indicated that the USDA requested data from states earlier this year, aiming to partner them on eliminating potential misuse. However, 21 states including California declined the request, leading Rollins’ direct statement: “No data, no money.”
Ernst believes transparency is crucial for ensuring funds reach those who need it most. “Stronger oversight would help redirect these resources away from fraud,” she commented.
However, Ernst also cautioned that politics could hinder progress in addressing SNAP abuse. While acknowledging some lawmakers view the issue reasonably, she suggested partisan interests may complicate efforts to tighten eligibility and enforcement.
Nonetheless, urging her colleagues to support limiting fast-food access through SNAP benefits, Ernst stressed pragmatism over political posturing. “Let’s make sure fraud, waste, and abuse don’t take away from families who truly rely on these benefits,” the senator concluded.
