Missouri auditor weighs in as SNAP funding increases, questions grow over junk food purchases

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) -The Trump administration now says it will pay 65 percent of SNAP benefits for November, an increase over the original 50 percent. But there’s still no word on when the money will start to arrive.

In Missouri, the state auditor oversees the SNAP program. Investigative reporter David Amelotti is back after speaking with him at the state Capitol.

Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick tells me his office reviews how Missouri administers the SNAP program —but not what people actually buy with those benefits. Still, he says it’s worth asking whether taxpayer dollars should go toward junk food, especially as obesity and health care costs rise.

Fitzpatrick tells First Alert 4 Investigates the debate over junk food and soft drinks purchased with SNAP benefits has grown, e