MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Scott administration is working on a federal waiver to promote healthier shopping choices for SNAP recipients in Vermont, known locally as 3SquaresVT. About 10% of Vermonters rely on this program.
If approved, the waiver could restrict the purchase of certain unhealthy items with EBT cards. Deputy Commissioner Miranda Gray from the Department for Children and Families believes this move can help residents make better food choices. “We want people to be healthy,” she said.
The details on which products might be affected are still unclear. Gray mentioned common items like soda, candy, and sugary snacks as potential targets. The administration plans to engage with the community to find solutions that work for Vermont.
However, some anti-hunger advocates are concerned about these restrictions. Ivy Enoch from Hunger Free Vermont argues it could limit the food options available to people. “It’s not fair or cost-effective,” she said. Enoch pointed to Idaho, where SNAP recipients can buy a candy bar but not a chocolate chip granola bar, highlighting the confusion such rules can create.
Implementing these changes would also add pressure on state agencies, requiring them to manage new eligibility rules and adjust to the changes.
These efforts to reduce junk food purchases align with broader initiatives, like the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda led by the previous administration, which encourages states to seek healthier options for food assistance programs.
The waiver is part of a larger plan that includes Vermont’s application to the Rural Health Transformation Fund, expected to bring nearly $1 billion to local providers over the next five years.
Before any changes happen, Vermont leaders emphasize the need for public input. They estimate that once the waiver is submitted, it will take about six months to implement any changes.
As more discussions unfold, it’s clear that balancing health objectives with access to food will be a complex task.
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