WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration is considering a policy change that would prevent SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients from purchasing junk food, specifically targeting sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks, with their benefits, Newsweek reports.
In Florida, 2.7 million people in 1.5 million households received SNAP benefits in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The average monthly benefit was $153 per person, excluding any supplements related to COVID-19 or other disasters.
This initiative is being spearheaded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who has expressed intentions to work alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prioritize healthier food choices within the SNAP program.
This proposal has garnered support from various Republican lawmakers and state officials. For example, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has called for similar restrictions, arguing that SNAP benefits are currently used to purchase foods that contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes. A bill introduced by Representative Josh Brecheen, called the Healthy SNAP Act, aims to exclude items like soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being bought with SNAP benefits.
This policy, if enacted, would be a significant shift in how SNAP operates, aiming to influence dietary habits directly through government benefits. However, there are concerns about the feasibility, the definition of what constitutes “junk food,” and how such a policy might affect the autonomy and dignity of those relying on SNAP benefits.
However, this proposal faces opposition from several quarters:
Beverage and food companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo argue against these restrictions, emphasizing that they offer healthier options and that limiting consumer choice might not lead to health improvements but could instead create a two-tiered system based on income.
Advocacy groups and some public health experts contend that such restrictions could complicate SNAP’s administration and might not significantly improve dietary health without addressing broader food access issues. They argue for a focus on increasing access to nutritious foods rather than limiting choices.
Political opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who view these restrictions as government overreach or potentially stigmatizing for SNAP recipients.