Wisconsin lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at restricting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases of candy and soda. This legislative move has sparked discussion about nutrition, policy, and consumer choice.
Why It Matters
The bill, AB 180, would prevent nearly 700,000 Wisconsin SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda. Additionally, it would allocate $69 million and create 70 positions within the Department of Health Services (HHS) to maintain low error rates and avoid penalties under a new federal threshold of 6 percent.
Across the country, 22 states have sought or obtained federal approval to limit purchases of sugary items, indicating a significant policy shift aimed at prioritizing nutrition within SNAP. Supporters claim it focuses on healthier choices, while critics express concerns about stigma, complexity, and uncertain health outcomes.
What To Know
The Senate approved the measure with a vote of 25-8, including support from several Democrats alongside Republicans. This bill includes the funding desired by Evers, aimed at minimizing penalties introduced by a federal tax and spending law signed by former President Donald Trump, which imposes penalties on states with SNAP error rates above 6 percent.
AB 180 defines banned items: candy encompasses products like chocolate bars, gummies, and mints, while soft drinks include sweetened sodas, energy drinks, and flavored waters, though it excludes beverages such as milk, coffee, and unsweetened tea.
Governor Evers expressed his opposition to the ban on candy and soda but acknowledged the importance of the funding aimed at preventing severe penalties. He described the situation as a compromise he was willing to accept.
The bill mandates that HHS seek a federal waiver to restrict candy and soda purchases with FoodShare benefits. Furthermore, it allocates $3 million for 2025-26 to develop a product-eligibility platform along with additional administrative funding to support its implementation.
Several states have obtained waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for sugary snacks and drinks. These states include Arkansas, Florida, Texas, and others, with timelines for implementation varying from 2026 to 2028.
Although federal funds cover SNAP benefits, distribution and management occur at the state and local levels. Waivers empower states to modify specific rules regarding program administration.
What People Are Saying
Governor Tony Evers stated: “Unfortunately, thanks to changes under President Trump and Republicans’ so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ things could get a whole lot worse for folks across Wisconsin—and our state’s bottom line.
“I disagree with the candy and soda ban and think people should have the ability to make those choices when they’re getting their food, but the other provisions were really important… It’s one of those things called compromise.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, previously remarked about junk food waivers, saying, “SNAP exists to nourish vulnerable Americans—not bankroll the products driving our chronic disease crisis. Today, we are putting nutrition back at the center of SNAP and giving millions of families greater access to real food.”
What Happens Next
Should Evers sign AB 180, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services will pursue a USDA waiver.
Key Takeaways
- The bill AB 180 bars SNAP recipients in Wisconsin from purchasing candy and soda.
- It aims to keep error rates low to avoid penalties under new federal guidelines.
- The Senate approved the measure with bipartisan support.
- Governor Evers emphasized the importance of the bill’s funding provisions despite his disagreement with the ban.
- Numerous states have implemented similar restrictions on SNAP purchases.
- The bill directs HHS to seek federal waivers for the new rules.
FAQ
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What is AB 180?
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AB 180 is a bill that restricts Wisconsin SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy candy and soda.
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Why was this bill introduced?
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The bill aims to align SNAP purchases with nutrition-focused goals and to manage error rates within the program.
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What happens if the bill is signed?
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If signed, Wisconsin DHS will seek a waiver from the USDA to implement the restrictions.
