A significant consumer rights organization has supported Congressional legislation that seeks to strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by boosting federal funds and enhancing SNAP participants’ availability of more nutritious foods.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) approved the “Opt for Health with SNAP Act of 2023,” or simply “OH SNAP,” in an announcement on June 16. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) of the United States government will be strengthened under the bill, based on the CSPI, by increasing spending to $3.5 billion for 5 years and removing the state contribution need.
Most Americans get the required amounts of vegetables and fruits, and for SNAP consumers, cost continues to be a major challenge, according to CSPI President Dr. Peter G. Lurie. “GusNIP increases SNAP users’ availability of fruits and veggies by offering an economic incentive. It has been shown that GusNIP nutrition incentives increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.