H.R. 7580: Nutrition First Act of 2026

The Nutrition First Act of 2026 aims to update the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by establishing new guidelines regarding what foods can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The main goal is to ensure that the foods eligible for purchase with these benefits meet certain nutritional standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Key Provisions

• Nutritional Standards: The bill defines "eligible food" as food or beverages that meet specific nutritional criteria. These standards will help to promote healthier eating habits among individuals and families who rely on SNAP for assistance.
• Prohibited Items: Certain categories of foods will be restricted from purchasing with SNAP benefits. These include:
  • Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: This includes sodas and other nonalcoholic drinks that are made with added sugar or caloric sweeteners. Exceptions are made for beverages containing milk or milk substitutes, those with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, and products requiring preparation before consumption.
  • Candy Preparations: Items consisting mainly of sugar, honey, or similar sweeteners combined with other ingredients (in forms like bars or pieces) will also be excluded, unless they contain flour or need refrigeration.
  • High-Sugar Beverages: Drinks listing carbonated water and any caloric sweetener as the first two ingredients will not be eligible, unless they use non-caloric sweeteners instead.
  • Prepared Desserts or Snack Foods: Foods such as cakes, cookies, pastries, and candy-coated snacks with high levels of added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat will be prohibited.
  • Energy Drinks: Beverages labeled as energy drinks that contain added sweeteners and stimulants will also be restricted.

The changes proposed by the Nutrition First Act aim to encourage healthier dietary choices among those utilizing SNAP and could have wider implications for the food industry by influencing the types of products that are stocked and sold in stores.

Effective Date

Once enacted, the provisions of this bill will take effect 180 days later, providing a transition period for both consumers and retailers to adjust to the new requirements.

Relevant Companies

• KO (Coca-Cola): As a major producer of beverages, Coca-Cola could see a significant impact on its sales of soft drinks, which are among the prohibited items under this legislation.
• PEP (PepsiCo): Similar to Coca-Cola, PepsiCo's sales of sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks could be affected as consumers may adjust their purchases in response to the bill's restrictions.
• MCD (McDonald's): As a fast-food chain that sells high-sugar beverages and desserts, McDonald's may face changes in customer purchases if consumers using SNAP are limited in what they can buy.