SNAP Benefits Update: Junk Food Ban To Hit Hundreds of Thousands

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps hundreds of thousands of Alabamians stretch their food budgets, and SNAP could help you keep more of what you earn. But a new law pending U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval could restrict SNAP purchases, prohibiting SNAP recipients from buying certain foods with the funds. Alabama is one of many states applying for USDA waivers, and such laws could affect how the SNAP program functions in certain states.

Here's what to know if you, a friend, or a family member uses SNAP to buy food.

Alabama seeks to limit SNAP purchases

On April 15, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation into law that could limit certain purchases made with SNAP funds. Under the law, Alabama would request a waiver from the USDA, allowing the state to prohibit SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda.

"We are promoting healthier diets for Alabama SNAP beneficiaries by restricting the purchase of sugary foods that contribute to obesity and diabetes," Ivey said of the law.

State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Representative Reed Ingram (R- Pike Road) sponsored the legislation.

How the law defines candy

The law would prohibit the use of SNAP funds to buy candy, and it defines candy as being a product in which sugar or sweeteners are a primary ingredient. According to that definition, items like chocolate bars, chewing gum, and non-chocolate candies would be prohibited.

Certain items including sugar or sweeteners would still be allowed, including ingredients used for cooking, baking mixes, baked goods, jams, jellies, frosting, marshmallows, hot cocoa mix, and powdered drink mixes.

How the law defines soda

The law also seeks to prohibit the use of SNAP funds to buy soda. It defines soda as being drinks with carbonated water and sugar as their main ingredients. Drinks that are made with low- or no-calorie sweeteners, including diet soda, are not included under the definition of "soda."

The movement toward applying for waivers

Alabama isn't alone in requesting a waiver that would allow the state to place restrictions on SNAP purchases. To date, 22 states have pursued or enacted SNAP restrictions, which often target items like soda and candy. Some states have also restricted the purchase of products like sweetened drinks and desserts.

Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee are just a handful of the states that have pursued waivers.

The argument for restricting SNAP purchases

Lawmakers are presenting the restriction on candy and soda as being an effort to help improve Alabamians' health. Orr, a co-sponsor of the bill, referenced the state's obesity issues and explained that a large portion of Medicaid enrollees are also on SNAP. He explained that limiting purchases of candy and soda may reduce the obesity rate and reduce the state's Medicaid costs.

Ivey also referred to the law as being an effort to restrict the purchase of foods that could lead to obesity and diabetes, noting that it, and other pieces of legislation, are an effort to improve rural health care and better meet the public's needs.

Understanding obesity in Alabama

Obesity is a major health concern in Alabama. According to data from Trust for America's Health, as of 2024, 38.9% of adults in the state had obesity, and from 2022 to 2023, 22.8% of children in the state had obesity. Additionally, 45.5% of adults had hypertension, and 15.1% of adults had diabetes in 2024.

The percentage of adults with obesity and the state's rates of diabetes and hypertension were all above the U.S. median, signifying that these issues are a concern and need attention.

Why restricting SNAP purchases may not be the answer

Restricting SNAP purchases may actually negatively impact SNAP recipients' health. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, research has shown that SNAP reduces hunger and improves outcomes, and SNAP use is linked with lower health care costs.

Additionally, individuals with diabetes may rely on products like sweetened drinks to manage their blood sugar, and these SNAP restrictions could prevent them from buying foods that actually support their health. Many families use SNAP to supplement their budgets, combining the benefits with their income. Restricting the foods purchased with SNAP may not encourage healthier eating habits, since families could still purchase those foods using their income.

How the law could impact Alabamians

If Alabama successfully receives a waiver allowing the state to restrict SNAP purchases, it could have a significant impact on residents. Approximately 750,000 Alabamians rely on SNAP. If approved, the changes would go into effect on October 1.

Retailers who accept SNAP would need to enforce the new restrictions. If retailers accidentally accept SNAP benefits for prohibited candy and soda items more than three times in a fiscal year, those retailers might face fines or penalties.

Bottom line

Alabama's Department of Human Resources must submit the waiver request to USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, and the outcome is not yet guaranteed. However, with many states moving to ban certain foods from SNAP purchases, there's a significant shift in how SNAP benefits may be used, and recipients may need to change their shopping habits in response.

If you or a loved one rely on SNAP, be sure to stay updated about your state's policies so you could use the program effectively and keep more of your hard earned cash.

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