American Beverage Association Hires Firm to Lobby Against Food Stamp Limits

Concerned about potential legislative proposals that limit what kinds of foods and beverages consumers can purchase with food stamps, the American Beverage Association (ABA) has hired a lobbying firm to advise Congress on “matters affecting the preservation of choice in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP],” according to a recent article on TheHill.com.

The ABA’s decision to hire Michael Torrey Associates comes at a time when health advocates are growing increasingly vocal about establishing tighter rules for SNAP and ensuring that the funds from the national food stamp program are used for nutritious foods and beverages. The article states that the ABA has retained the lobbyist as a precautionary step in case the issue arises during Congressional debate over the 2012 Farm Bill.

Michael Torrey Associates, which has close ties to both the U.S. Agriculture department and Capitol Hill, began working for the ABA on April 1, according to documents released on Thursday.