USDA to fast-track state bans on using SNAP for candy, soda

• Several Republican-controlled states aim to prohibit Americans from purchasing candy and soda with food stamps. Idaho was the first state to sign the ban into law.
• The USDA head said Trump will fast-track approval of plans under the “Make American Healthy Again” initiative.
• Critics said the bans will not have the desired effect.

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As the Trump administration aims to “Make America Healthy Again,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expediting state requests to eliminate soda and candy from eligible food stamp purchases, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Republican-led states push to ban certain SNAP purchases

On Tuesday, April 15, Arkansas and Indiana both requested USDA approval to make changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Requests came the same day Idaho’s governor signed a ban on using SNAP for candy and soda.

Republicans lead all three states.

The Republican governors of West Virginia and Utah have indicated they also plan to pursue similar restrictions in their food-aid programs.

Part of the plan to ‘Make America Healthy Again’

Removing soda and junk food from items covered under the federal food-aid program is a top priority of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urged governors to propose pilot programs testing changes to SNAP on her first full day in office.

The USDA has refused to grant state waivers to modify SNAP in the past. However, Rollins said the Trump administration will be different.

What have critics said?

Critics of the plan claimed the federal and state governments have offered no proof that doing so would have a noticeable impact on Americans’ health.

Opponents of the state proposals argued that the definitions of candy and soda are too vague, leaving it open to banning items like granola bars and juice. Others worried the changes will cause grocery stores to stop accepting SNAP altogether.