Assembly vote Tuesday on bill limiting FoodShare junk food purchases

MADISON (WITI) -- The full Assembly on Tuesday, May 6th will vote on a bill that limits the amount of junk food that can be purchased using food stamps as part of the state's FoodShare program. This, after an Assembly committee approved the bill one week ago.

The bill, if made law, would require FoodShare participants to spend two-thirds of their monthly benefits on more nutritious items -- like proteins and fresh produce.

The bill would allow the remaining portion of the benefits to be used at the individual's discretion.

While this is an attempt to promote healthy eating, State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (D - Milwaukee) says she feels the bill would hurt the Dairy State -- as FoodShare recipients would not be able to buy cheese with that two-thirds worth of benefits that must be spent on healthy options.

The bill passed the committee by a 7-2 vote.