A new pilot program, which allows states to block the purchases of certain goods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), went into effect on April 20 in Florida.
SNAP users are now unable to buy sugary sodas, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed, shelf-stable prepared desserts with SNAP.
The question is, will these restrictions lead to a healthier America? Not everyone thinks so, including Joel Berg, the CEO of Hunger Free America.
He joined us on The Morning Show to share why he believes some regulation is a good thing, but that stores that accept SNAP should be better regulated and required to carry some healthy foods.
Berg also belives that SNAP recipients should be able to obtain hot food, but said the restrictions now in place in Florida are counterproductive.
In the Sunshine State, SNAP recipients can no longer use their benefits to purchase the following items:
- Soda — A beverage made with carbonated water that is flavored with added sugar or artificial sweeteners like corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar and sucrose
- Does not include carbonated water that is plain or naturally flavored
- Does not include any beverage that is over 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume
- Does not include a beverage with less than five grams of added sugar
- Energy drinks — A beverage containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces that are advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumer’s mental physical energy
- Does not include coffee or tea
- Candy — A product involving the preparation of sugar or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, caramels, gummies, and hard candies or other ingredients/flavorings in the form of bars, drops or pieces
- Prepared desserts — A processed, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, pre-packaged sweet food intended for immediate consumption without any further preparation
The newly prohibited foods join a list of items that are already restricted under the SNAP welfare program, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco and hot foods.
The waiver will remain in effect for two years — through April 19, 2028. During this time, state officials will be responsible for reporting on the results of these changes.