Several US states are considering limiting the products that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can purchase with their subsidies.
The proposals, promoted by Republican legislators in ten states, seek to prohibit the purchase of “junk” foods such as candy, soft drinks, and high-sugar or fat snacks.
SNAP, which served 42.1 million people per month in 2023 (12.6% of the US population), currently allows the purchase of “any food for human consumption” with the exception of alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods.
Critics argue that this flexibility encourages unhealthy eating habits, which have been linked to obesity and chronic diseases, citing junk food as one example.
SNAP benefits to prohibit purchase of certain foods in at least 10 states
Each state initiative requires a waiver from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP. During the pandemic, exemptions were granted to streamline procedures or allow online purchases, but no ban based on nutritional criteria has been approved thus far.
Before reaching the USDA, the projects must be approved by both legislative chambers and the governors.
Currently, no state can restrict products based on nutritional profile. Minnesota, for example, requested a similar exemption in 2020, but it was denied by the USDA due to a lack of evidence of its positive impact. Defenders of the new proposals argue that they aim to reduce the health costs associated with a poor diet.
Republican Senator Daniel Zolnikov, who is promoting the project in Montana, stated, “I am not against low-income people drinking soda, but I am against advertising that equates processed foods with healthy products.” As a result, our medical costs have increased.”
Voices for and against restricting SNAP benefits
Those who oppose the measures call them paternalistic and argue that they ignore economic barriers. Valerie Imbruce, director of Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society, stated that federal subsidies to the sugar industry make healthy foods more expensive. Blaming the poor for their decisions is oversimplified.
Kavelle Christie, a health policy expert, added: “SNAP is a safety net, not a control mechanism. These proposals reinforce stereotypes of vulnerable families.” In contrast, Utah Senator Mike Lee stated, “Tax dollars should not be used to fund junk food. Promoting a balanced diet is critical to public health.
Do SNAP recipients buy a lot of junk food?
According to a Tufts University (2021) study, 63% of SNAP benefits are spent on basic products such as dairy, bread, and cereals, with only 10% going toward sweets and sugary drinks, or junk food.
Despite this, legislators argue that the restrictions will help combat the obesity epidemic, which affects 41.9% of adults in the US.
According to public health and food experts, if fruits and vegetables are not subsidised, restrictions may exacerbate food inequalities. Currently, only ten states participate in the USDA’s “Fruit and Vegetable Incentive” pilot program, which provides additional incentives for buying fresh produce.
Maximum SNAP benefits in 2025, according to the USDA
Beginning October 1, 2024, maximum food stamp benefits in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia were adjusted for household size.
The maximum monthly benefit is $291 for a single person; $535 for two people; $766 for three people; $975 for four people; $1,150 for five people; $1,380 for six people; $1,532 for seven people; and $1,751 for eight people. From eight members, $219 is added for each additional person.
It’s worth noting that these figures may differ in states and territories with different cost of living, such as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
