As Oklahoma prepares for significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), residents are becoming increasingly aware of how these adjustments will impact their shopping habits. Starting Sunday, individuals using SNAP benefits will no longer be able to purchase certain items, including candies and soft drinks. This initiative aims to foster healthier eating habits among Oklahomans while potentially reducing state funding for the program.
Big changes coming to Oklahoma SNAP benefits as healthy food waiver goes into effect
Oklahomans will see some big changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Sunday, as some items such as candies and soft drinks will no longer be covered by those benefits. On top of that, the state may lose hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for that program. Last summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a waiver allowing Oklahoma and other Republican-led states to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for buying soft drinks, candy, and other sugary items. “Our tax dollars are not going to continue to fund foods that are making people sick,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said last summer. The waiver, which goes into effect on Sunday, Feb. 15, is part of a pilot program.
Video Below: Oklahoma SNAP rules change to exclude candy and soft drinks
“I feel like it’s, you know, it’s a good thing, you know, for it to be, you know, a healthier way,” a Crest customer named Alicia said. “It was never really designed for it to be used in an unhealthy way.” The waiver is part of a statewide effort to make Oklahomans develop healthy habits. “Habits go from when you’re a child to when you’re an adult. Yeah, we create healthy habits now. We won’t have to worry about the things we have to worry about now,” Alicia said. “Childhood obesity does turn into adult obesity and morbid obesity. I feel like it’s just the habits that we can change now.”
Under the waiver, candy such as chocolate bars, mints, gum, carbonated soda, energy drinks, and more cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s SNAP program could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in funding if the state doesn’t lower its error rate. “Oklahoma will be one of the states that stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in SNAP funding. Oklahoma taxpayers will be required to cover those costs,” State Auditor Cyndi Byrd said earlier this month.
Video Below: Oklahoma state auditor sounding the alarm as USDA puts new guidelines on SNAP funding
Stitt told KOCO 5 earlier this week that he will have his agencies look at what’s causing those error rates and try to figure out how to lower them. For a full list of what you can and cannot purchase with SNAP benefits after the change, click here.
Key Takeaways
- Significant changes to Oklahoma SNAP benefits start February 15.
- Candies and soft drinks will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
- The initiative aims to encourage healthier eating habits among residents.
- The state may lose hundreds of millions in SNAP funding if error rates remain high.
- Governor Stitt plans to review error rates to avoid losing funding.
FAQ
What items are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits?
Candies, soft drinks, and energy drinks cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits under the new waiver.
When do these changes take effect?
The changes will be implemented starting Sunday, February 15.
Why are these changes being made?
The changes are intended to promote healthier eating habits and reduce funds spent on sugary foods.
Top Headlines
As the effective date for these changes approaches, residents need to prepare for adjustments in their shopping routines. The state’s efforts towards promoting healthier food choices reflect an ongoing commitment to public health, even as concerns about funding loom large.
