Sen. Joni Ernst and Her Office Highlight Massive SNP Fast-Food Spending
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s office has revealed that nearly $250 million in taxpayer funds is spent annually on SNAP benefits for fast-food meals across nine states, most of which are blue states. California alone accounts for over 90% of the total funds spent through the Restaurant Meals Program. The program, originally created to assist homeless individuals without kitchen access, has expanded eligibility to include disabled individuals, the elderly, and their spouses.
The program, which requires participating restaurants to sign agreements with the state and is authorized by USDA, has grown, particularly in California during the Biden era. From June 2023 to May 2025, over $475 million in taxpayer dollars funded Restaurant Meals Program meals, with California alone accounting for the vast majority. Senator Ernst, known for her conservative stance on federal spending, argued that the ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition, not fried snacks with a side of fries.
Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act, which would continue allowing homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals to benefit from the program but would end spousal eligibility. The legislation would also restrict fast-food vendors in favor of grocery stores with hot bars to ensure healthier meal options. Additionally, states would be required to publish annual reports detailing participating vendors, beneficiaries, and program costs.
The report and bill come after a 43-day government shutdown which raised concerns about SNAP fraud and access disruptions. The Trump administration is now requiring all SNAP beneficiaries to reapply for the program. Federal spending on SNAP reached record highs during the Biden administration, with $128 billion spent in 2021 and $127 billion in 2022, although it slightly decreased to $99.8 billion in the final year of the administration.
Overall, the news underscores a growing political divide over SNAP usage, with Republicans pushing for stricter controls and greater oversight while Democrats advocate for maintaining and expanding the program’s reach to support vulnerable communities.