AB 530

This bill requires the Department of Health Services to develop, after

consulting with stakeholders, and conduct a pilot program to use FoodShare benefits

for foods, food products, and beverages that have sufficient nutritional value.

FoodShare, also known as the food stamp program and the federal Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program, provides benefits to eligible low-income households

for the purchase of food. FoodShare benefits are paid by the federal government

while the state and federal government share the cost of administration. Under the

bill's pilot program, DHS must identify categories of or specific foods, food products,

and beverages that do not have sufficient nutritional value and restrict the use of

FoodShare benefits for those foods, food products, and beverages. DHS must request

a waiver of federal law, if it determines one is needed, and may not implement the

pilot program unless the waiver is granted.