GOP-Led States Push to Restrict Soda, Candy from SNAP Benefits 

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Four states have asked USDA to let them ban soda, candy from food assistance program
Four states have asked USDA to let them ban soda, candy from food assistance program

United States: The U.S. Department of Agriculture receives requests from four Republican states to exclude soda along with energy drinks and other food products from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamp program, according to an agency spokesperson, as reported by Reuters. 

Under the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his allies, the Trump administration plans to speedily authorize state-submitted waivers. 

SNAP Serves Over 40 Million Americans 

Through the SNAP program, the United States provides food assistance benefits to an expansive 41 million Americans who comprise the country’s largest nutritional support system. 

The agency spokesperson confirmed that waivers from Iowa alongside Nebraska, Arkansas, and Indiana are presently under review. The administration failed to release the documentation for the submitted waivers. 

What the States Are Proposing 

A waiver submitted by the Arkansas administration led by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders seeks to eliminate “unhealthy drinks” and candy together with fruit and vegetable drinks that contain less than 50% natural juice. 

The Indiana State government under Governor Mike Braun announced on April 15 that it would remove candy and soda from benefits, according to a press release. Governor Jim Pillen sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, which revealed that Nebraska plans to remove soda and energy drinks from the SNAP benefits program on April 7. 

What’s Next? 

Iowa has not publicly revealed its waiver’s contents, and Reuters could not verify at the time of writing. The Iowa legislature is studying a proposed bill to restrict SNAPP benefits to plain food products such as milk, vegetables, and eggs, as reported by Reuters. 

The waivers face criticism from soda industries and candy industry organizations. Several national organizations, including legislators, have criticized the practice of banning certain goods from SNAP because they believe this measure creates unfair judgments about SNAP recipients.