USDA approves waivers for three states to ban junk food from SNAP
The Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made headlines this week as she signed waivers with three states – Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah – allowing them to prohibit participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from purchasing junk food like soda and candy through the social welfare program.
These states have become the latest to obtain waivers from the federal government to begin banning junk food within the SNAP program, which provides food stamps to low-income individuals. This move is part of a larger trend, with other GOP-led states such as Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa also obtaining waivers to reform their SNAP programs.
During a press conference announcing the new waivers, Rollins emphasized the importance of disallowing taxpayer-funded benefits to purchase unhealthy items, stating, “One way is disallowing taxpayer-funded benefits to purchase unhealthy items, like soda, candy and other junk food.”
This decision brings the total number of states that have moved to ban junk food from their SNAP programs to six. Rollins indicated that several other states, including Colorado, Kansas, West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Louisiana, are also working towards getting waivers approved.
In a surprising turn of events, Texas may not even need the waiver after passing Senate Bill 379, which prohibits SNAP participants from using the program to buy junk food. This bill is expected to be signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who previously sought a USDA waiver.
Rollins highlighted the unity within the Trump administration in improving the health of the nation, stating, “The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer.”
On average, 42 million low-income Americans receive food stamp assistance each month, with one in five American children under 17 receiving SNAP benefits. This move towards banning junk food from SNAP programs is part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, fulfilling President Trump’s promise to prioritize the health of the nation.
With these waivers in place and more states looking to follow suit, it is clear that there is a growing trend towards promoting healthier food choices within public assistance programs. This initiative aims to improve the overall well-being of low-income individuals and families across the country.
