The Trump Administration has achieved significant victories as the initial months of the new administration progress, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also achieving notable successes alongside his fellow administration members. Indeed, he has begun to secure victories nationwide in his efforts to ensure that food stamps are utilized for nutritious food instead of unhealthy options.
To provide context, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is managed by the states but is financed by the federal government. Consequently, there exists a complex relationship between the states and HHS regarding what is officially classified as food under the program, and therefore can be acquired using taxpayer-funded vouchers.
While Secretary Kennedy is unable to prohibit the purchase of sugary sodas, unhealthy snacks, and candy, as he has expressed a desire to do, he can motivate states to apply for permission to implement such bans and assist them in enacting those changes. He has achieved a series of victories in this regard, as a total of twelve states have now taken steps to prohibit the purchase of such unhealthy items with SNAP benefits.
To implement this change, states must obtain waivers from the federal government to modify the statutory definition of food eligible for purchase under SNAP, thereby enabling them to restrict the purchase of junk food with food stamps. Most recently, waivers permitting this amendment were granted to West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Previously, similar waivers were issued to Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah.
In summary, the total number of states that have requested and received waivers concerning SNAP and junk food has reached twelve. All twelve states will limit the purchase of sugary beverages such as soda. Eight of these states will prohibit candy purchases, and at least three will specifically ban energy drinks. Additionally, some may also restrict the sale of fruit juice that contains less than 50% real juice.
Commenting on the recent decision, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remarked, “For many years, SNAP has utilized taxpayer funds to support the purchase of soda and candy, items that contribute to the epidemics of diabetes and chronic diseases in America.” He further stated, “These waivers assist in reinstating real food as the focal point of the program and empower states to take the lead in safeguarding public health.”
In a similar vein, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins commended the decision as one that would contribute to the initiative to Make America Healthy Again by tackling the crisis of prevalent chronic diseases associated with the typical American diet. She expressed, “It is remarkable to witness so many states taking initiative at this pivotal time in our nation’s history and taking steps to begin addressing chronic health issues.”
Moreover, Rollins emphasized that the modifications implemented by the states would encourage Americans to make healthier food choices. She stated, “President Trump has altered the existing paradigm, and the entire Cabinet is mobilizing to Make America Healthy Again. … These state waivers advocate for healthier alternatives for families in need.”
You can view Secretary Rollins’ remarks on the waivers here: