Stewart Whitson, a senior director at the Foundation for Government Accountability, testified at a congressional hearing titled “The War on Waste” led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s DOGE subcommittee in Washington, D.C. The discussion focused on preventing government aid recipients from purchasing unhealthy foods like soda. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supported legislation in Arizona to restrict using federal funding for unhealthy foods, emphasizing a broader effort to promote health. However, Arizona’s governor vetoed the bill, reflecting a larger trend of states considering similar restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), a conservative policy think tank in Florida, has been instrumental in advocating for SNAP restrictions and reshaping public assistance programs. FGA’s proposals aim to limit who receives aid and what they can purchase, citing cost savings and promoting self-sufficiency as primary goals. The organization’s efforts align with the Trump administration’s agenda and its vision for major reforms, particularly in Medicaid and SNAP programs.

FGA’s influence extends to shaping state policies nationwide, with a focus on passing legislation to restrict SNAP benefits on unhealthy foods. Critics caution that such restrictions could have unintended consequences, such as burdening retailers and impacting aid recipients. FGA’s strategy involves collaborating with lawmakers to advance its agenda, leading to policy changes like work requirements and benefit limitations in various states. Overall, FGA’s advocacy efforts highlight the ongoing debates surrounding public assistance programs and government intervention in food purchasing decisions.