Recent legislation signed by Governor Tony Evers aims to enhance state funding for food assistance in Wisconsin, marking a significant step in the ongoing dialogue surrounding food security. Amid ongoing changes from federal legislation, this bill seeks to bolster support for those who rely on food assistance programs.
The legislation, which received bipartisan backing, allocates over $72 million for administrative and staffing needs while incorporating a provision aligned with the White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, raising concerns among anti-hunger advocates.
As part of the initiative, new positions will be created at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the agency responsible for administering federal food aid, known nationally as SNAP and referred to as FoodShare in Wisconsin.
Understanding Wisconsin, Together.
WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
Governor Evers has argued that the additional financial support and staffing resources will be crucial in the wake of the tighter restrictions imposed by Trump’s federal spending legislation, which introduced new work and reporting requirements for program users. Previously, administrative costs were shared equally between the states and the federal government, but this new law shifts the burden to states, which will now cover 75 percent of these costs.
Additionally, states will face penalties if they exceed an error rate of 6 percent in administering the benefits. For context, Wisconsin’s error rate was 4.47 percent in 2024, as reported by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
During his State of the State address in February, Evers emphasized that investing in support now could prevent significant future penalties, potentially saving the state up to $200 million if error rates surpass 10 percent, according to the LFB.
In exchange for expanded staffing, Republicans have indicated they will seek to impose a ban on using SNAP benefits for sugary beverages, snacks, and energy drinks. This initiative, backed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., allows states to apply for waivers to implement such restrictions.
“Governor Evers requested additional temporary staff to facilitate the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We are supportive of this,” stated Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, in December. “However, we must ensure compliance with the regulations. Thus, I plan to introduce this alongside our proposal to ban junk food from food stamps to encourage healthier meal options for individuals receiving government assistance.”
Anti-hunger advocates say junk food ban ‘misguided’
The amended bill that ultimately passed encompasses about $72 million earmarked for administrative expenses and several new personnel. It also features a ban on the use of food assistance funds for candy, sodas, and energy drinks, although certain dairy products, including milkshakes, and some soy and rice-derived items are exempted.
Critics argue that this prohibition unfairly criminalizes poverty. William Parke-Sutherland, government affairs director for Kids Forward, a progressive organization advocating for families, contends that such measures hinder rather than help those depending on FoodShare. This coalition aims to ensure that beneficiaries have the necessary resources to cope with federal cutbacks.
Parke-Sutherland referred to the junk food ban as “harmful and misguided,” suggesting it complicates program administration. “It’s deceptively simple to say, ‘We’re banning candy and soda,’ but defining what constitutes those items is actually quite complex,” he explained.
He pointed out that such changes may provoke new administrative challenges as retailers and consumers navigate the updated regulations. Parke-Sutherland also asserted that the level of financial assistance in the bill does not adequately address the root causes of hunger.
He highlighted additional federal cuts to programs aimed at educating consumers about nutritious food options while also noting the higher cost of fresh produce in food deserts, where grocery stores are scarce. “To encourage healthier food choices, we need to tackle larger systemic issues,” he said. “This includes making healthy food more accessible and affordable and ensuring families have sufficient income to purchase nutritious items.”
Despite his opposition to the junk food restrictions, Parke-Sutherland acknowledged that, from a practical standpoint, the new staffing provisions may align with the needs expressed by the state Department of Health Services.
In a statement following the signing of the legislation, Governor Evers remarked that the new law would mitigate some of the adverse impacts of federal cuts to food assistance. “Despite ongoing disruptions at the federal level and repeated threats to our FoodShare program, I take pride in the measures my administration has implemented to secure necessary resources for our children, families, veterans, and seniors across Wisconsin,” he said.
The timeline for the implementation of these changes remains uncertain. Parke-Sutherland noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has generally taken about two months to review and approve submitted waivers.
Key Takeaways
- The new legislation allocates over $72 million for food assistance program administration in Wisconsin.
- Changes include creating new positions at the Department of Health Services.
- A controversial junk food ban linked to SNAP benefits has been introduced.
- Critics believe this ban may complicate program administration and exacerbate poverty-related issues.
- There are concerns regarding the adequacy of funding in addressing the root causes of hunger.
- Implementation timelines for these changes remain unclear.
FAQ
What is FoodShare?
FoodShare is Wisconsin’s state-level food assistance program, part of the federal SNAP initiative, designed to help low-income individuals and families access food.
How much funding is included in the new bill?
The new legislation includes over $72 million for administrative costs and staffing associated with the food assistance program.
What are the main concerns about the junk food ban?
Critics argue that the ban may complicate program administration and could be harmful to those relying on assistance, as it doesn’t address the root causes of hunger.
How will the new staffing affect the FoodShare program?
The additional staffing is aimed at improving the administration of the FoodShare program, especially following new federal restrictions and requirements.
When will these changes be implemented?
The timeline for implementing these changes is not currently clear, with expected USDA approval for waivers taking about two months on average.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2026, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
