Summary
A proposed change in Colorado to prevent the use of SNAP benefits for buying sugary drinks has been delayed. The decision affects about 600,000 Colorado residents who use SNAP, and it met both support and opposition during a board meeting.
Key Facts
- Colorado wants to stop SNAP benefits from being used to buy soda and sugary drinks.
- The proposal was delayed after the state’s human services board heard many hours of discussion.
- About 600,000 people in Colorado, around 10% of the population, use SNAP benefits.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s request to make this change.
- The board needs to make rules for the change to happen, and they delayed this decision.
- Some people think the change will improve health and reduce future healthcare costs.
- Others worry it could make food insecurity worse and be confusing for some shoppers.
- Colorado's plan aligns with similar changes in other states encouraged by the USDA.
