SNAP Benefits and Fast Food Spending
Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has highlighted a significant expenditure of U.S. taxpayer dollars, revealing that nearly $250 million annually is allocated for SNAP benefits used to purchase fast food in just nine states, primarily governed by Democrats.
The states involved include Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia, with the spending focused on hot meals under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Ernst’s office discovered that this program, originally intended for those without access to kitchens, has seen its eligibility broadened over the years.
The modern Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program began in 1964 to help economically disadvantaged Americans acquire essential foods like meat and fresh produce. Notably, it initially excluded ready-to-eat meals. However, a loophole introduced in 1977 allowed for the establishment of the RMP, originally aimed at helping homeless individuals. This loophole later extended to include disabled persons and seniors and their spouses.
Currently, restaurants that want to be part of the program must sign agreements with state administrations, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Reports indicate that the number of participating restaurants has expanded recently, especially in California, particularly during the Biden administration. For instance, California rolled out its statewide program in 2021, enabling many fast-food establishments to accept CalFresh benefits through SNAP.
From June 2023 to May 2025, Ernst’s office calculated that over $475 million from taxpayer funds went toward meals at fast-food outlets through the RMP, with California accounting for the lion’s share of this funding—over 90%—during that period.
As Ernst remarked, “The ‘N’ in SNAP signifies nutrition, not nuggets with fries.” She characterized the $250 million yearly expenditure on fast food as a major waste of taxpayer resources, expressing that while she appreciates the variety, taxpayers are not forking over cash for drive-thru meals.
According to her office’s analysis, SNAP expenditures from June 2023 to May 2025 included significant amounts for various states, such as $41.4 million in Arizona and smaller sums in New York, Michigan, and others. The data also displayed a breakdown of spending by state, pointing out needy areas like Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, and Maryland.
In response to these concerns, Ernst has proposed a new bill called the McSCUSE ME Act aimed at refining the RMP. The legislation intends to maintain benefits for vulnerable populations like the homeless, elderly, and disabled but would eliminate options for spouses.
This initiative could lead to restrictions on fast-food businesses while favoring grocery stores that provide healthier ready-to-eat meal options. Moreover, it will require states to produce public annual reports detailing the program’s participants and total costs.
The push for reform comes in the wake of a lengthy government shutdown, which has heightened scrutiny around food assistance programs and raised concerns about fraud. As the government stabilizes, the Trump administration is mandating that all SNAP recipients reapply to enhance program integrity.
Notably, federal spending on SNAP hit record highs during the Biden administration, with allocations of around $128 billion in 2021 and $127 billion in 2022 amid the pandemic. By the end of Biden’s term, the cost is expected to stabilize around $99.8 billion.
