Bill would restrict junk food from SNAP benefits in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky lawmaker wants to put more restrictions on families who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
House Bill 279, filed by Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, would ban snap purchases of junk food and other 'accessory foods.'
Items include:
Soft drinks
Prepared desserts
Chips
Energy drinks
Other foods with minimal nutritional value
Lockett argues the program should focus on nutrition, as obesity and diabetes hit low-income families hardest.
Kentucky bill could reverse efforts to curb puppy mill suppliers
Bill would restrict junk food from SNAP benefits in Kentucky
Former Kentucky football player found dead in Las Vegas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports SNAP spending on sugary foods outpaces fruits and vegetables by $400 million annually.
This bill would follow the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children's (WIC) more strict guidelines to improve health and cut government healthcare costs.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
14 hours ago
- USA Today
Are cucumbers healthy? Experts explain.
Are cucumbers healthy? Experts explain. Show Caption Hide Caption How to add more Vitamin C to your diet and everyday routine Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that can do everything from strengthening cells to improving your hair health. Cucumbers have been cultivated and enjoyed for thousands of years and remain a staple in many cuisines around the world today. You'll find them used in everything from sandwiches, soups, wraps and charcuterie boards to Asian dishes and a wide variety of salads. 'People love that cucumbers are a refreshing snack on their own and are as versatile as they are satisfying,' says Jen Messer, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant at Jen Messer Nutrition. Here's why cucumbers' continued popularity is a good thing, plus why some groups of people may benefit from eating them in moderation. Are cucumbers fruits or vegetables? Botanically speaking, cucumbers are fruits because they develop from the flower of the cucumber plant and contain seeds. But in culinary contexts, 'cucumbers are most commonly treated as vegetables,' explains Alex Larson, a registered dietitian, endurance athlete nutritionist and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. This is due to their savory flavor, typical grocery story categorization and the way they're most commonly used in snacks and meals. Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the gourd family, which includes more than 750 species worldwide "such as pumpkins, melons, squash and zucchini," says Messer. There are several types of cucumbers, generally categorized as slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers or seedless (also known as burpless) cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers are larger with thicker skins and are usually eaten fresh, often atop salads or as part of charcuterie boards. Pickling cucumbers are smaller with bumpy skins and a firmer texture, ideal for preserving in vinegar or brine. These are the types of cucumbers used to make pickles. Burpless cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, and are bred to be gentler on the digestive system. How long does it take to digest food? Plus, which foods are easy on the stomach Are cucumbers healthy? What are cucumbers good for? Regardless of which variety you enjoy, cucumbers offer several health benefits. A single medium cucumber, for instance, contains a host of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin K, about 1.3 grams of protein and over 1 gram of dietary fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their vitamin K content 'is important for blood clotting and bone health,' says Messer, while vitamin C 'boosts immune function and supports skin health.' A medium cucumber also provides nearly 400 milligrams of potassium, 'which helps improve blood pressure and supports muscle and nerve function,' she adds. Cucumbers are also 'rich in antioxidants that may offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties,' says Larson. Their high water content also "supports hydration and may promote gentle detoxification," she adds. Messer notes that cucumbers may also have antidiabetic properties by helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce lipid levels. Thanks to their fiber content, high water concentration and low calorie count (around 30 calories per cucumber), cucumbers can also support weight loss and improve digestive regularity, making them a proven natural remedy for constipation. Their benefits extend beyond internal health. 'Cucumber extracts are known for their soothing effects on the skin, helping reduce swelling, irritation and sunburn,' adds Messer. How to test your blood sugar levels – and why it's critical for some people. Can you eat cucumbers every day? While cucumbers are generally safe and healthy, they do have some potential drawbacks. 'Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins, which can be toxic in large quantities and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and diarrhea,' explains Messer. This may be especially relevant for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or gastrointestinal conditions. Other groups of people that should exercise caution include those with allergies to other members of the Cucurbitaceae family, individuals with blood-clotting disorders or anyone with kidney issues. 'Cucumbers have antiplatelet properties, which may interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications and potentially increase the risk of bleeding,' Messer warns. As long as such considerations are kept in mind, though, Larson says cucumbers remain a healthy, hydrating addition to any diet by "offering a satisfying crunch with a side of health benefits."
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Drinking Water Alert issued for infants in Chicagoland
CHICAGO – Aqua Illinois has issued a drinking water alert for customers with infants due to high levels of nitrates from the Kankakee River. The alert affects customers served by the Kankakee Water Treatment Plant in the cities of Kanakee, Peotone and University Park. Officials said recent water samples show elevated levels of nitrates which may be harmful to infants under six months. Adults and children older than six months old may still drink the water. However, pregnant women and anyone with specific health concerns may want to consult their doctor. Salmonella outbreak tied to eggs sickens dozens across 7 states Aqua Illinois said it believes spring fertilization and recent rain caused the elevated level of nitrates. Bottled water will also be provided to certain high-risk consumers in the impacted service areas. Water will be available starting Sunday, June 8 between noon and 7 p.m. at the following locations: 1000 S. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901 1737 E. Amberstone Rd.,Manteno, IL 60950 24650 S Western Avenue, University Park, Il 60484 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Aqua Illinois issues drinking water alert for customers in Will and Kankakee counties
Aqua Illinois has issued a drinking water alert for families in Will and Kankakee counties, warning tap water might not be safe to drink for some people. The utility said samples taken at its Kankakee Water Treatment Plant showed high levels of nitrates, which could make it unsafe for infants under 6 months, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions to drink. "Aqua Illinois has never before experienced a nitrate exceedance at our Kankakee Water Treatment Plant," the company said. "It is our assessment that spring fertilization and recent rains caused elevated nitrate levels in the river. Because of the unprecedented nature of this incident, we will be providing bottled water to certain high-risk customers in the impacted service area." The company said infants should not drink the water and bottled water should be used to prepare formula. Boiling the water will not reduce the nitrate level, and Aqua Illinois said excessive boiling can actually make the nitrates more concentrated. Bottled water will be available for families with infants starting on Sunday between noon and 7 p.m. at three locations. 1000 S. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901 1737 E. Amberstone Rd., Manteno, IL 60950 24650 S Western Avenue, University Park, Il 60484 Water distribution will continue each day until the alert is lifted. Municipalities Affected by this notice Kankakee Municipalities served: City of Kankakee, Village of Bourbonnais, Village of Aroma Park, Village of Bradley, Village of Grant Park, Village of Limestone, Village of Manteno, Village of Peotone, Village of University Park and portions of the townships of Limestone, Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Manteno, Otto, Rockville, St. Anne, Summer, Yellowhead and Aroma. Peotone Municipalities served: Village of Peotone University Park Municipalities served: Village of University Park, portions of Green Garden, Crete and Monee townships. For more information, Aqua Illinois customers can contact the utility at 877.987.2782.
