Last month, twelve states got federal permission to limit what foods can be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Starting in 2026, those using SNAP won’t be able to buy items like soda, candy, and other sugary treats. The main goal is better health, particularly by reducing the intake of added sugars among participants.
SNAP is a vital program for low-income families, providing around $100 billion yearly to about 40 million Americans. A family of four can get up to $975 a month. Currently, participants can buy almost any food, excluding alcohol and hot prepared meals. Yet, studies reveal that those on SNAP often purchase more unhealthy foods than similar families who don’t receive benefits. Many SNAP recipients struggle with diet-related health issues, with 65% of adults aged 50-64 reporting such concerns.
The recent move to restrict what can be bought with SNAP benefits stems from more than two decades of states trying to make similar changes. They argue that limiting unhealthy food options is necessary to combat obesity and chronic diseases. Backing this shift, twelve states received approval earlier this year from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
There are a couple of solid reasons for these restrictions:
- Focus on Nutrition: SNAP is meant for nutrition assistance, not just to fight hunger. Critics say taxpayer money shouldn’t support unhealthy products linked to major health issues. Other federal programs already have food restrictions, so why not SNAP?
- Dietary Impact: Evidence shows that SNAP benefits are often spent on unhealthy foods. A recent study highlighted that although SNAP benefits were boosted during the pandemic, spending on snacks and sugary drinks also rose, indicating that higher benefits don’t necessarily lead to healthier choices.
Experts believe that restricting certain products will likely reduce their consumption among recipients. For instance, one study estimates that removing soda from eligible purchases could cut soda consumption by 18%. Drinking less soda is crucial since it’s closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Given the health challenges many SNAP participants face, even small dietary changes can lead to significant long-term health benefits.
However, while the rationale is strong, it’s important to manage expectations. Research suggests that while these restrictions might lower consumption of specific sugary items, their broader influence on nutrition and health will be modest. Numerous factors affect SNAP participants’ diets, like limited access to fresh foods and misleading marketing, complicating the health issues they face.
This is why it’s essential to monitor the impact of these food restrictions. A successful outcome would be seeing a decrease in added sugar consumption among SNAP participants in those twelve states. If that happens, it could be a step towards better overall health.
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