Summary
As of January 1, five U.S. states have new rules that limit what people can buy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These states now restrict using SNAP funds to buy sugary drinks, candy, and other foods seen as unhealthy. The new rules aim to reduce health issues like obesity.
Key Facts
- The states with new SNAP restrictions are Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia.
- SNAP, previously known as food stamps, helps 42 million Americans buy groceries.
- The restrictions are aimed at cutting down on health problems linked to sugary foods and drinks.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins support these changes.
- Retailers may face technical issues and increased costs due to these restrictions.
- The new rules impact about 1.4 million SNAP recipients in the five states.
- Past federal policies allowed SNAP benefits for any food except alcohol and ready-to-eat hot foods.
- The changes are part of a broader health policy under the Trump administration.
