The program is run by the USDA, not HHS, and is administered through individual states. It is authorized by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which says SNAP benefits can be used for “any food or food product intended for human consumption,” except alcohol, tobacco and hot foods, including those prepared for immediate consumption.

About 42 million people across the U.S. use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, every month. It helps low-income families pay for everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to chips and soda.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help keep tens of millions of people across the country from going hungry. But Republicans across America have called for significant changes to be made to the SNAP program that could have a significant impact on what recipients can and cannot buy with their benefits.