A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION supporting the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture in establishing a working group of nutrition experts to determine national standards for foods and beverages purchased with supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

WHEREAS, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to millions of Americans, including South Dakota residents, to help ensure that families have access to food; and

WHEREAS, research shows that diet quality is directly linked to health outcomes, and there is a need for clear national guidance on nutritious foods and beverages that can be purchased with SNAP benefits; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to ensure that SNAP benefits are used responsibly to support sound nutrition and healthy families; and

WHEREAS, nutrition standards for SNAP purchases should be informed by the latest science, ensure equal access to healthy foods, and support public health objectives; and

WHEREAS, updated national dietary guidance, including a newly released food pyramid, reflects current nutrition science and provides an opportunity to align SNAP purchasing standards with widely accepted recommendations for healthy eating; and

WHEREAS, a federal mandate for nutritious foods in SNAP is a federal matter that requires an act of Congress; and federal action is necessary to ensure consistency nationwide, avoid unnecessary state administrative costs, and avoid a reversal of policy in a future federal administration; and

WHEREAS, the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture has been directed through H.R. Rep. No. 119‑172, 119th Cong. (2025) to establish a working group of nutrition experts to develop evidence-based standards that promote health and well-being, as a first step toward congressional action to require nutritious foods in SNAP;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the South Dakota Legislature supports the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture in establishing a working group of nutrition experts to determine national standards for foods and beverages that may be purchased with SNAP benefits; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Legislature urges Congress to pass legislation to implement the working group’s recommendations for SNAP; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture and the South Dakota congressional delegation.

Adopted by the Senate, January 26, 2026

Concurred in by the House of Representatives, January 29, 2026

_____________________ _____________________ Chris Karr Peggy Laurenz

President Pro Tempore Secretary of the Senate

of the Senate

_____________________ _____________________ Jon Hansen Patricia Miller

Speaker of the House Chief Clerk of the House