Montana Seeks Federal Approval for SNAP Restrictions
Montana recently joined the growing list of states seeking federal permission to limit certain food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). State and federal officials aim to exclude items like soft drinks, candy, and junk food from SNAP benefits.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Montana’s Republican Governor Greg Gianforte submitted a waiver request to ban the purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits. Already, 22 states have received approval to modify the program’s administration.
This initiative is part of a broader national agenda called “Make America Healthy Again,” supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Current SNAP Purchase Guidelines
SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, provides monthly grocery assistance to approximately 38 million low-income and no-income Americans. Beneficiaries can use SNAP to buy a variety of groceries, including:
- Fresh produce
- Meat
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants for home gardening
However, SNAP does not cover certain items like alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or supplements, hot prepared meals, and non-food household goods.
The new state-level waivers aim to expand the restricted item list, primarily targeting soda, desserts, and candy. Each state is tasked with defining and enforcing these categories.
States with Soda and Candy Restrictions
The move limits eligible food items, focusing on sugary drinks and confectionery. States individually categorize items like soda and candy to determine restrictions. Montana joins the ranks of states with similar approved restrictions, such as:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Several of these states, including Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, have already implemented these policies.
Reasons for SNAP Purchase Restrictions
Proponents argue that taxpayers should not fund purchases of unhealthy foods, suggesting that restrictions might promote healthier eating habits. Kennedy has consistently endorsed limiting sugary products in SNAP.
“People can make their own choice about what they’re going to buy and what they’re not going to buy. If you want to buy a sugary soda, you ought to be able to do that. U.S. taxpayers should not pay for it. The U.S. taxpayer should not be paying to feed kids foods, the poorest kids in our country, the foods are going to give them diabetes.”
Concerns Over Stigma and Confusion
However, critics argue the changes unfairly target low-income individuals and complicate grocery shopping. Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP director at the Food Research and Action Center, sees it as a further restriction on benefits and a stigma for recipients.
Several SNAP recipients have taken legal action against USDA, claiming these policies confuse them at checkout, complicating their ability to purchase food.
“I still get to the register only to be told I cannot use SNAP to buy everything I have selected,” said Marc Craig, a plaintiff from Iowa.
The USDA declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
Retailer Concerns
Retailers and advocacy groups highlight potential operational challenges due to varying state rules. The Food Research & Action Center warns of possible “confusion, retailer withdrawal, and diminished food access,” particularly affecting smaller retailers with limited resources.
These changes occur as food prices remain high nationwide, putting additional strain on families already facing difficulties in affording groceries.