GOP governor calls on incoming Trump officials to ban junk food in food stamps: ‘Make America Healthy Again’

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is taking a bold stand against junk food in the federal food stamp program. In a letter to the incoming heads of the Health and Agriculture departments in the Trump administration, Sanders called for an end to the purchase of unhealthy snacks, soda, candy, and desserts with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Sanders emphasized the negative impact of junk food on the health of Americans, pointing out that these foods contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other chronic health conditions. As a mother of three, she is particularly concerned about improving maternal health outcomes for children, especially in a state where one third of the population suffers from diabetes or pre-diabetes, and 40% struggle with obesity.

The governor cited a study by Stanford University Professor Jayanta Bhattacharya, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the National Institutes of Health. The study found that removing sugary drinks and snacks from the SNAP program could prevent obesity in 141,000 children and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.

In addition to the health benefits, Sanders sees an opportunity to support Arkansas farmers by promoting the purchase of locally grown and harvested produce and other healthy foods. She called on the incoming secretaries to work together to prohibit the sale of junk food in SNAP and to prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and protein.

Sanders closed her letter with a call to action, stating, “Together, we can, and we will, Make America Healthy Again.” Her efforts are likely to find support from Health Secretary-nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal about the need for healthier food options in the United States.

As the discussion around SNAP reform continues, it is clear that Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is committed to improving the health and well-being of Americans by advocating for a shift away from junk food and towards nutritious, locally sourced options. With her leadership and the support of like-minded individuals, there is hope for a healthier future for all.