S.Amdt. 1152

1. Adds SEC. 40__. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING AMONG SNAP RECIPIENTS on page 421, between lines 3 and 4

   Adds a sectionPrinted page

   Inserted: SEC. 40__. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING AMONG SNAP RECIPIENTS.

   Inserted: (a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out 2 demonstration projects in States that agree to plan, design, develop, and implement programs to eliminate purchases of unhealthful foods or beverages under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

   Inserted: (b) Requirements.--In selecting States to carry out a demonstration project under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that each proposed demonstration project includes--

   Inserted: (1) a standard based on nutritional content that--

   Inserted: (A) is demonstrated to be clear, practical, and consistent in excluding certain items from eligibility;

   Inserted: (B) limits the use of benefits for purchasing foods or beverages that are identified in the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341) as foods, beverages, or food components that--

   Inserted: (i) are consumed in excessive amounts; and

   Inserted: (ii) may increase the risk of certain chronic diseases or conditions; and

   Inserted: (C) does not--

   Inserted: (i) expand the number of items otherwise eligible for assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program; or

   Inserted: (ii) classify alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption as eligible for assistance under that program;

   Inserted: (2) a description of the cost of implementing the demonstration project in the State;

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   Inserted: (3) a description of the number of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program to be affected by the demonstration project;

   Inserted: (4) a process for participating States to educate participants and retailers about eligible and ineligible foods, including a procedure for disseminating product eligibility information to participants and retailers periodically;

   Inserted: (5) a procedure to work with retailers to identify problems and best practices in implementing new product eligibility standards;

   Inserted: (6) a procedure to monitor and evaluate program operations, including the impact on participating households and small businesses;

   Inserted: (7) a statement that the demonstration project does not reduce the eligibility for, or amount of, benefits available under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);

   Inserted: (8) notwithstanding section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(k)), complies with the requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);

   Inserted: (9) the ability of the State to meet the evaluation criteria under subsections (c) and (d); and

   Inserted: (10) any other requirements that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

   Inserted: (c) Consideration.--In selecting States to carry out a demonstration project under this section, the Secretary shall consider whether a State has previously applied for a waiver under the supplemental nutrition assistance program to carry out a similar project.

   Inserted: (d) Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which a demonstration project is initiated under this section, the Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of the projects selected under this section that uses rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding effective restrictions to measure the impact of the pilot program on--

   Inserted: (1) the costs and benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State;

   Inserted: (2) the access of individuals receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State to nutritious food;

   Inserted: (3) the dietary intake of--

   Inserted: (A) supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program demonstration project; and

   Inserted: (B) a control group of supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients not participating in the demonstration project; and

   Inserted: (4) other effects that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

   Inserted: (e) Costs.--

   Inserted: (1) In general.--All costs associated with carrying out a pilot project and an evaluation of that pilot project under this section shall--

   Inserted: (A) be provided by the State; and

   Inserted: (B) not be eligible for administrative matching under section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(a)).

   Inserted: (2) Contributions.--A State may accept and use contributions from nongovernmental entities, including nonprofit organizations, to carry out a pilot project and an evaluation of that pilot project under this section.

   Original wording

   On page 421, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following:

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As printed