Congressman Keith Self introduced a bill this week that would not allow people who have SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks if passed.

Self — who represents the 3rd Congressional District of Texas — introduced the Funding is Zero for Zero Nutrition Options (FIZZ-NO) Act to “amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the use of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to purchase soda.”

Here is what we know about the bill.

What is the FIZZ-No Act?

According to a press release, Self said the goal of the FIZZ-No Act is to improve public health and cut costs for taxpayers.

“SNAP was originally created to help the poorest Americans access nutritious food,” said Congressman Self. “Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive. The FIZZ-NO Act is a common-sense solution to strengthen public health and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.”

What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a federal program in that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. Here are some key points:

• Eligibility: Based on income, household size, expenses and other factors.
• Benefits: Delivered electronically via an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works like a debit card.
• Usage: Can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers, including supermarkets and farmer’s markets.

American Beverage Association responds to FIZZ-No Act proposal

In a statement sent to WFAA, the American Beverage Association said the proposed bill infringes on people’s right to choose what they consume.

“This proposal is an attempt to strip hard-working Americans and our veterans of the freedom to choose foods that best meet their families’ needs,” the ABA said. “Limiting choice by restricting SNAP purchases won’t make Americans healthier or save taxpayers money. Rather, these proposals would effectively create a two-tiered system in which the right to personal autonomy around diet is conditioned on income and means. This goes against America’s commitment to individual liberty and freedom. The fact is that soda is not driving obesity in America. While adult obesity is up 37.4% since 2000, beverage calories per serving are down 42%. This is a result of intentional innovation by our industry to provide more choices with less sugar and clear information, so Americans choose what’s right for them and their families. It’s working: nearly 60% of beverages Americans buy today have zero sugar. We look forward to working with Congress, USDA Secretary-Designee Rollins and President Trump’s administration to make SNAP stronger.”