SNAP Bans On Soda, Candy & Other Items Begin Taking Effect

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SNAP bans on sodas, candy and other food items have reportedly gone into effect in select states.

RELATED: The government shutdown is officially over — here’s an update on SNAP benefits, back pay for federal workers, air travel and more!

More on reported SNAP bans on soda, candy and other food items in select states

According to USA Today, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia are the first states to begin bans on sodas, candy and other food items starting Thursday, January 1. Utah and West Virginia will begin banning “the use of SNAP to purchase soft drinks and soft drinks.” Nebraska “will ban sodas and energy drinks,” while “Indiana will target sodas and candy.” Iowa will pursue restrictions on “taxable foods, including soda and candy, but also some prepared foods,” AP News reports.

“The Trump Administration is leading bold reform to strengthen integrity and restore nutritional value within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” The USDA has reportedly confirmed about the update. “…These waivers are an essential step in ensuring that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes within the SNAP program.”

Earlier this year, Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that “Every American who wants to eat a donut should be able to eat one or drink a Coke. But federal taxpayers should not pay to poison our children. We will end it.”

Will other countries adopt bans on sodas, candy and other food items?

According to the outlet, 18 states will eventually adopt the ban in 2026. In February, after the initial five states begin their restrictions, Idaho, Oklahoma and Louisiana will follow suit. In March, Colorado will join the ban. Texas, Virginia and Florida will join the ban in April. Arkansas and Tennessee will join the ban in July. Hawaii and South Carolina will join the ban in August. North Dakota will join in September, and Missouri will join in October.

AP News adds that the effort aims to “reduce chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes associated with sweetened beverages and other sweets.” However, some “retail industry and health policy experts” believe the update, which does not have “complete lists of affected foods and point-of-sale technical challenges that vary by state and store,” could cause longer checkout lines and customer complaints.

“It’s a disaster waiting to happen with people trying to buy food and being turned away,” expert Kate Power reportedly told the outlet, while doctor Anand Parekh added. “This does not solve the two fundamental problems, which are that healthy food in this country is not affordable for everyone, and that unhealthy food is cheap and ubiquitous.”

Recent SNAP events

As The Shade Room previously reported, SNAP resumed at the end of the government shutdown in November. Since then, the program has made headlines along with the Trump administration asking recipients to reapply for their benefits. This, as it was reported that more than 180,000 people listed as deceased are still receiving funds.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Democratic states could face restrictions on receiving benefits if they do not comply with Trump’s initiative.