DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa House subcommittee moved forward a bill on Wednesday afternoon that would limit foods that can be purchased through the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

The bill advanced by a vote along party lines, 2 to 1. It provides a list of eligible foods for SNAP recipients: real eggs, real meat, real dairy, bread and grains, all fruits and vegetables, all cereals which includes granola, peanut butter and nuts, pasta, rice, and legumes and all items in the most current women, infants, and children approved foods list.

“I don’t have time to list all the foods that this bill would ban but its effectively two thirds of the grocery store,” said Luke Elzinga, the policy and advocacy manager for DMARC United.

“Over 60% of SNAP participants report the affordability of healthy foods is a barrier to achieving a healthy diet throughout the month,” said Cyndi Pedersen, a lobbyist for Iowa Hunger Coalition.

There were also concerns for grocery stores having to abide by these more reduced lists, as employees would have to confirm the items being purchased through the SNAP program would lineup with state law.

There is a portion of the bill that everyone agrees with, which is the double up food bucks’ program. The bill adds an appropriation of $1 million to expand access for Iowans to get fresh fruits and vegetables. But a majority of public comment on the bill were against the bill as a whole due to the changes to SNAP.

There could be changes to the list in the future, but the bill was advanced to keep the conversation ongoing as next week is the first massive deadline for Iowa lawmakers.