Jordan Hansen
A sign in an Indianapolis store shown on Aug. 1, 2023, says SNAP benefits are accepted. (Photo by Getty Images)
The State of Montana has received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eliminate soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP is a federal initiative managed by the USDA. With this change, Montana joins 22 other states in enforcing similar bans on these items within the program.
Governor Greg Gianforte expressed in a press release that the state is taking, “bold steps to Make America Healthy Again,” aiming to ensure that taxpayer dollars contribute to healthier choices for those who depend on these vital programs.
To implement these restrictions, Montana submitted a waiver to the USDA earlier this year, seeking permission to remove specific items from its SNAP list.
The waiver specifies that drinks containing more than 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces, as well as energy drinks, will be excluded. Additionally, it introduces new categories of restricted items and provides a “standardized definition of candy and prepared desserts.”
According to the Montana waiver, candy includes:
“A shelf-stable preparation of sugar, honey, or other nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners, in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings, in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. This encompasses gelatin-based confections (gummies), licorice, hard candies, and compressed sugar pieces.”
However, the SNAP restrictions do not apply to meal replacement bars, protein bars, or “baking ingredients, fruit snacks made with real fruit and no added sugar, granola, trail mix, and similar products that are substantially nut and/or real fruit based.”
“Store-made bakery items” are also exempted, although pre-packaged dessert snacks are still ineligible.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton noted, “This waiver is a critical step in addressing the growing concern around diet-related chronic conditions in our state. By aligning SNAP purchases with national dietary guidelines, we are supporting Montana’s effort to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, candy, and other foods that contribute to negative health outcomes, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also acknowledged the Gianforte Administration’s initiative.
“Returning SNAP to its essential principle of nutrition is a logical step, and we aim to approve waivers for all 50 states in order to promote healthy food options for all Americans,” Rollins stated in a press release.
Earlier this year, some SNAP recipients filed a lawsuit against the USDA regarding the inclusion of sugary drinks. This lawsuit is currently pending in federal court and seeks to challenge the waivers.
Courtesy of Daily Montanan
Key Takeaways
- Montana has received USDA approval to prohibit soft drinks, junk food, and candy from SNAP.
- This decision aligns Montana with 22 other states enforcing similar restrictions.
- Governor Gianforte advocates for healthier food options using taxpayer dollars.
- The waiver specifies exclusions for drinks with high sugar content and defines candy and desserts.
- Exemptions for certain products like protein bars and store-made bakery items remain in place.
- This initiative aims to address diet-related health issues in the state.
FAQ
What items are banned from SNAP in Montana?
Soft drinks, junk food, and candy are now banned from Montana’s SNAP program.
Why was this ban implemented?
The ban aims to promote healthier food choices for SNAP recipients and address diet-related chronic conditions.
Are there any exemptions to the ban?
Yes, meal replacement bars, protein bars, and certain other products are exempt from these restrictions.
This initiative represents a significant step towards improving the nutritional quality of food options accessible to those participating in the SNAP program in Montana. By focusing on healthier choices, the state hopes to enhance overall public health outcomes.
