Related video above: Federal lawmakers debated the merits of these SNAP restrictions in 2024
The landscape of SNAP benefits is changing as three more states introduce new purchasing restrictions this week. Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana are implementing rules aimed at limiting the purchase of sugary drinks and certain candies, reflecting a broader initiative to reshape SNAP spending.
New Restrictions on SNAP Purchases
Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana are enacting new regulations as outlined in waivers obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees the SNAP program. This marks a significant expansion in the efforts to restrict the use of federal food benefits for unhealthy items.
So far, the USDA has approved waivers for 18 states. These regulations vary by state, including differences in implementation deadlines. In general, SNAP beneficiaries will find that purchasing soda, energy drinks, and candy is no longer permitted.
The new restrictions took effect this past Sunday in Idaho and Oklahoma. For Louisiana, the new rules will begin on Wednesday.
Looking ahead, additional states, including Colorado, Florida, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, have deadlines in April to comply with these regulations. For details on the specific limits in each state, click the map below.
State Definitions and Differences
Each state has the authority to define the parameters of the newly restricted items. For instance, Oklahoma specifies that banned beverages include any products labeled as soda, soft drink, sports drink, energy drink, flavored water, or juice drinks containing less than 100% juice.
The list of restricted candy also covers candy bars and chocolate-covered nuts or fruit.
Iowa is taking a more indirect approach to limit unhealthy food purchases with SNAP benefits, set to begin in January. The state will restrict eligible purchases to non-taxable food items, excluding sales tax on candy and soft drinks, which will no longer qualify for SNAP.
Government Perspective and Criticism
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins commented on these new waivers, stating, “With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again” in a press release.
However, critics argue that these restrictions unduly burden the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
“It’s an opportunity to say you’re doing something while really just stigmatizing a single group of people for choices that everybody in America really makes,” stated Chris Bernard of Hunger Free Oklahoma in an interview with Nexstar’s KFOR.
Currently, SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, assists around 1 in 8 Americans in purchasing groceries. The restrictions on candy and soda are part of a broader context where non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, and hot foods are already ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Key Takeaways
- New SNAP restrictions take effect in Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana.
- The USDA has approved waivers for 18 states implementing similar bans.
- Restrictions include a ban on sugary drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
- Iowa will restrict SNAP purchases to non-taxable food items starting in January.
- Critics argue that these restrictions unfairly impact low-income families.
FAQ
What items are banned under the new SNAP rules?
Items such as soda, energy drinks, and candy will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in several states.
When do these restrictions start?
Idaho and Oklahoma began enforcing these restrictions on Sunday, while Louisiana’s restrictions take effect on Wednesday.
How many states have implemented SNAP restrictions?
As of now, 18 states have received waivers from the USDA to impose new purchasing restrictions.
What is the purpose of these restrictions?
The restrictions aim to encourage healthier eating habits among SNAP beneficiaries by limiting the purchase of unhealthy, processed foods.
These recent changes to SNAP regulations highlight a significant shift in the approach to managing federal food benefits and the ongoing debate surrounding nutrition and accessibility in America.
