The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans Wednesday to revamp the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, calling the current system “out of control” and pledging to focus on healthier, American-grown food options.
According to FOX Business, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the initiative will prioritize specialty crops, fresh fruits, and protein, aligning with the broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“More coming on that early next year as we begin to shift how we’re buying food, and really supporting the American farmers,” Rollins told “Mornings with Maria.”
The shift will see the USDA leverage its substantial purchasing power—approximately $400 million a day across 16 nutrition programs—to ensure more American-grown produce reaches school lunches and food banks.
Rollins emphasized that part of the goal is to combat chronic disease by improving the nutritional quality of foods provided through federal programs.
The SNAP program, which has faced scrutiny following recent government shutdowns that nearly stalled its funding, will also see tighter oversight.
The USDA has pledged to crack down on fraud and now requires participants to reapply for benefits to maintain eligibility.
In addition, Rollins confirmed the USDA is finalizing a new “bridge package” to provide financial support to farmers facing economic pressure.
“It’s just a bridge to get us to next year for the president’s promise that he wasn’t [going to] leave any of our farmers behind,” she said, noting ongoing discussions with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Rollins highlighted the urgency for farmers planning their next season, many of whom are under significant financial strain. “For the farmers who are figuring out their planting and harvesting for next year, they need that certainty now as their banks are calling,” she said.
“It’s been a really, really tough few years out in the farmland for our farmers,” Rollins added, signaling a swift rollout of both SNAP reforms and support packages for America’s agricultural sector.
