SNAP-RESTRICTED FOODS WAIVER

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services, as the lead State agency responsible for administering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible Illinois residents, to submit a SNAP Food Restriction Waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to modify allowable purchases under the SNAP program by excluding from the definition of "eligible food" candy, prepared desserts, carbonated and noncarbonated soft drinks, certain fruit and vegetable juices containing 50% or less of natural fruit or vegetable, energy drinks, and other specified beverage mixes and concentrates. Provides that upon federal approval, the Department shall ensure that SNAP recipients are notified and informed of the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver, the specific food items and beverages restricted under the waiver, and the implementation date for the waiver. Requires the Department to also engage directly with SNAP-authorized retailers to prepare them to comply with the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver.

• Andrew S. ChesneyR
• Li Arellano, Jr.R