Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., a physician, stated Thursday that efforts to restrict junk food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are compelling Washington to rethink Americans’ diets and shift health policy beyond calorie counts toward stricter definitions of ultra-processed foods. Marshall appeared on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight” following announcements from Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia that began limiting SNAP access to candy, soda, and other unhealthy items.
At least 18 states are pursuing similar waivers after encouragement from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Marshall emphasized the policy changes aim as a public health measure rather than punitive action: “We’re not telling them they can’t purchase those sugary drinks and candy with their own money, but if we’re going to use government dollars, let’s use it to help make people healthy again.”
He noted that 70 percent of Americans suffer from chronic diseases, with obesity and Type 2 diabetes leading the way. Marshall praised recent legislative action in Indiana under Gov. Mike Braun, highlighting the push for whole milk back into school lunches as an example of translating policy changes into practice. He linked the SNAP restrictions to the Make America Healthy Again agenda, stressing that federal health officials must first clarify what qualifies as ultra-processed food before removing additives and artificial dyes from the food supply.
“We need to focus not just on calories but on the quality of each food we eat,” Marshall said. “The FDA has a responsibility to answer questions like: Is red dye healthy? What other ingredients are present?” He acknowledged consumer confusion about genuinely healthy foods, adding, “If it comes from nature and you don’t process it in any way, that’s probably the best way to consume it. And if Grandma grew it in her garden, it’s likely healthy for you.”
Marshall reiterated the urgency of defining ultra-processed foods: “We have a lot of work to do. Education is really important here.”
