Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have submitted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver requests to the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the aim of banning the purchase of soft drinks and candy with the benefits.
State governors can ask for a waiver from certain requirements of the SNAP program.
“Banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better,” Sanders stated.
In addition, the Arkansas waiver also requests the addition of rotisserie chicken – an affordable, healthy protein source – to the list of eligible SNAP benefits. The state plans to use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes.
FMI – The Food Industry Association responded to the announcements from federal and state agencies, offering the following statement from FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin:
“FMI and our member companies support the goal of encouraging customers to utilize SNAP dollars to purchase nutrient dense foods. We have found that the best results are those that make resources available – like dietitian-supported recipes or curated shopping experiences and programs that enhance their ability to economically purchase fruits and vegetables and dairy while recognizing the limitations of the current average $6-per-person-per-day SNAP benefit.
“While pilots and waivers may have an important role, it is critical not to create chaos and confusion both in individual stores and through a jumbled mixture of varying state requirements – creating new program inefficiencies, longer grocery store lines and customer frustration.
“USDA knows, Congress knows and the American people know that we have to work together if we are going to prevent hunger with a $6/day SNAP benefit for the children, seniors and disabled people who depend on it. We support eliminating overpayments by state agencies and organized criminal fraud in the program, updating 15-year-old USDA data on SNAP purchase patterns and maximizing the dollars we have available for those Americans who truly need the help.
“We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and the USDA staff, governors and state agencies on our shared interest in ensuring SNAP operates as efficiently as possible and that it reaches its intended recipients without creating confusion, disruption or waste.”
According to the USDA, about 2 percent of SNAP purchases are candy – significantly less than other categories like soda, prepared desserts, salty and savory snacks and baked goods. And unlike those other purchases that SNAP participants buy in far greater quantities than non-SNAP households, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families.
Chris Gindlesperger, SVP of public affairs and communications at the National Confectioners Association (NCA), shared, “This policy approach is misguided and not needed when it comes to chocolate and candy. SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants alike understand that chocolate and candy are treats – not meal replacements.
“In fact, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families … Consumers have a unique mindset when they enjoy chocolate and candy that is not present when interacting with other foods – whether or not they are using SNAP benefits for food purchases.”
[RELATED: NGA, Feeding America Brief Congress On SNAP Choice Importance]
The National Grocers Association also shared its position, urging states and the USDA to “carefully consider the unintended consequences to Main Street grocers that may arise as they work to approve waivers for the restriction of certain foods in SNAP.
“Independent grocers are cornerstones of their local economies, and any disruption in the program or confusion caused by changes can affect store operations, workforce stability and supply chain relationships. These ripple effects may reduce the ability of local grocers to invest in their communities by creating jobs, supporting nearby small businesses and maintaining essential services in the underserved areas where they often operate and are the only connection to healthy food options,” according to a statement from NGA.
“When approving waivers and writing new guidelines, we urge policymakers to remember that retailers are often the last and most direct touchpoint between SNAP and the individuals the program helps feed. Any changes to SNAP – especially food restrictions – directly impact grocers’ ability to serve their customers efficiently and effectively.
“The impacts of all waivers should also be thoroughly evaluated during and after implementation to determine whether their goals are being met without negatively affecting access to nutritious food. Only through transparent, evidence-based policymaking can we preserve SNAP’s integrity and success while continuing to improve outcomes for families who rely on this essential program.
“Independent grocers have been longstanding partners with the USDA and policymakers at all levels of government in delivering their support for SNAP and initiatives to improve our nation’s overall health and ability to access healthy food. Since the program’s inception, grocers have worked tirelessly to enhance the program’s reach, efficiency and impact.
“NGA stands ready to work collaboratively with the USDA, state agencies and policymakers at all levels of government to continue this close working relationship and ensure that SNAP remains strong, stable and accessible.”
Stopping candy and soft drinks is a great beginning I’m more concerned about energy drinks, is someone who has worked in the industry for 15 years I can tell you a lot of things that money goes to energy drinks, and we know how bad those are for everybody.