Industry groups representing soda and candy manufacturers strongly oppose efforts to ban so-called “junk foods” from SNAP (aka Food Stamps) purchases, arguing that such restrictions unfairly target specific foods and are unlikely to improve health outcomes. They highlight the inconsistency of allowing other treats while banning soda and candy, and point out the practical difficulties of implementation, as definitions of “candy” can vary by state—potentially leading to confusion over which products are allowed.
Experts and anti-hunger advocates also question the effectiveness of these bans, noting that SNAP recipients and non-recipients have similar food purchasing patterns, and that limiting choices does not address the underlying issue: the affordability and accessibility of healthy foods.
Key takeaways:
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Industry groups say SNAP bans on soda and candy are arbitrary and hard to implement.
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Experts argue that such restrictions will not significantly improve health outcomes or address food insecurity.
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The primary barrier to healthier eating for SNAP recipients is affordability, not access to specific foods.
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