McStopping Chains from Using SNAP EBT to Make Entrees Act of 2025; McSCUSE ME Act of 2025
Summary
The McStopping Chains from Using SNAP EBT to Make Entrees Act of 2025, or the McSCUSE ME Act of 2025, aims to reform the restaurant meals program within the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The bill restricts SNAP benefits for restaurant meals to retail food stores with prepared food sections, hot bars, or deli counters, excluding establishments primarily engaged in quick-service or fast-food sales. It also mandates that eligible meals include at least one fruit or vegetable and one protein.
The Act requires the Secretary to ensure state agencies update EBT systems to restrict benefit redemption to eligible households at authorized locations. It also stipulates that spouses of SNAP beneficiaries are not automatically eligible for the restaurant meals program. Furthermore, the Act mandates a publicly available report detailing program participation, costs, and effectiveness.
The bill seeks to ensure SNAP benefits are used for more nutritious meals and to provide greater transparency and accountability in the restaurant meals program.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely reduce the use of SNAP benefits at fast-food restaurants. It will increase the use of SNAP benefits at grocery stores with prepared food sections. The bill will also require states to update their EBT systems and retailer coding.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthier meal options by requiring meals to include a fruit/vegetable and a protein.
- Greater transparency through public reporting on program participation, costs, and effectiveness.
- Potential for reduced reliance on fast food, promoting better dietary habits among SNAP recipients.
- Ensures SNAP benefits are directed towards establishments meeting food safety and health standards.
- Streamlines authorization process by not requiring separate authorization for retail food stores already authorized under section 9.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced flexibility for SNAP recipients who may rely on fast food due to time constraints or limited cooking facilities.
- Potential for increased costs for eligible meals, as grocery store prepared foods may be more expensive than fast food.
- Increased administrative burden for state agencies to update EBT systems and retailer coding.
- Possible confusion among SNAP recipients regarding eligible locations and meal requirements.
- Spousal exclusion may create hardship for some families.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the nutrition and health of SNAP recipients. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the umbrella of providing for the general welfare.
However, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections. The bill does not discriminate against any protected class, nor does it limit any fundamental rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).