Jordan Hansen
(Daily Montanan) The State of Montana has gained federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to eliminate soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP is a federal initiative administered by the USDA. With this change, Montana becomes one of 22 states to restrict sugary and unhealthy food options within its SNAP program.
Gov. Greg Gianforte expressed his enthusiasm in a press release, stating that the state is taking “bold steps to Make America Healthy Again.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that taxpayer dollars go towards nutritious options that can improve health outcomes for individuals who depend on these essential programs.
To implement this ban, Montana submitted a waiver to the USDA earlier this year, seeking permission to exclude these items from its SNAP provisions, which was granted.
The waiver specifically targets beverages that contain over 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces, along with energy drinks. It also introduced new classifications of restricted items and established a standardized definition for candy and prepared desserts.
Candy under the Montana waiver’s definition includes:
“A shelf-stable preparation of sugar, honey, or other nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners, combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients and flavorings, in various forms such as bars, drops, or pieces. This encompasses gelatin-based confections (gummies), licorice, hard candies, and compressed sugar pieces.”
However, the SNAP restrictions do not extend to meal replacement bars, protein bars, or products that are closely aligned with natural ingredients, such as “baking ingredients, fruit snacks made from real fruit with no added sugar, granola, trail mix, and similar items that are predominantly nut and/or real fruit based.”
Furthermore, the guidelines do not affect “store-made bakery items.” In contrast, pre-packaged dessert snacks are not eligible for purchase under the new rules.
“This waiver is a crucial measure in tackling the rising concern of diet-related chronic conditions within our state,” asserted Charlie Brereton, Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, in a press release. “By aligning SNAP purchases with national dietary guidelines, we are directly supporting Montana’s initiative to minimize the intake of sugary beverages, candy, and other foods detrimental to health, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes.”
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins also acknowledged the Gianforte Administration’s decision, stating, “Reinforcing SNAP’s fundamental principle of nutrition is a sensible approach. We hope to establish similar waivers for all 50 states soon, promoting healthy food options for all Americans.”
Earlier this year, several SNAP recipients filed a lawsuit against the USDA regarding the inclusion of sugary drinks. This case is currently pending in federal court, aiming to overturn the waivers.
Key Takeaways
- The USDA has approved Montana’s ban on soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the SNAP program.
- This decision aligns Montana with 22 other states implementing similar restrictions.
- Montana’s waiver targets beverages with over 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and energy drinks.
- Candy definitions include a variety of sweet preparations, while some items remain exempt from the ban.
- The initiative aims to address diet-related health issues among residents and promote healthier eating habits.
FAQ
What items are banned in Montana’s SNAP program?
Soft drinks, junk food, and candy are no longer allowed under the new rules.
Are there any exemptions to the ban?
Yes, meal replacement bars, protein bars, and store-made bakery items are exempt.
What led to this decision by the state?
The decision was made to improve public health and reduce diet-related chronic conditions among residents.
How many states have similar bans?
Montana is the 23rd state to implement restrictions on sugary drinks and unhealthy food in the SNAP program.
Are there ongoing legal challenges to the ban?
Yes, a lawsuit has been filed against the USDA by some SNAP recipients, challenging the inclusion of sugary drinks.
