The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income families supplement their grocery budgets with nutritious food. Soda and candy do not fall under that category.
Robert Kennedy Jr., as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has vowed to Make America Healthy Again, especially as it relates to children. Twelve states are moving in the right direction to make that happen. From MSN:
“More states are changing what SNAP benefits will cover at the grocery store.
Soda is now excluded from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in six more states: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Florida, and West Virginia. Four of those states, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Florida, have banned candy as well.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the changes are a start in addressing chronic diseases and other health issues.
“It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems. President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
The American Beverage Association is opposing the efforts to stop food stamps from being used to buy soft drinks.
According to USDA stats, SNAP served an average of 42.1 million people per month in 2023, representing 12.6% of the U.S. population.”
Read the whole story here.
Daily Wire reports that Kennedy sees this as a positive move to reduce the obesity epidemic in the U.S. He said, “We are spending $405 million a day on SNAP and about 10% is going to sugary drinks, and if you add candies to that, it’s about 13-17%.”
I think this is a great start! The new rules are slated to start early next year, depending upon the state. See if your state is on the list here.
DCG