Utah to Ban Soda Purchases with SNAP Funds
SALT LAKE CITY — In a landmark decision, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have granted Utah’s request to prohibit the purchase of soda with Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. The waivers were approved late Tuesday and are set to take effect in 2026, following the passage of a legislative bill aimed at promoting healthier choices among beneficiaries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, lauded the initiative, with Secretary Rollins emphasizing a commitment to improve national health. "Each waiver submitted by states is a step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again," Rollins stated.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kristen Chevrier (R-Highland), aimed to address nutrition by encouraging beneficiaries to make healthier choices. While an initial proposal sought to ban candy purchases along with sodas, it was ultimately refined to focus solely on soft drinks. Critics expressed concerns about the legislation’s overreach in regulating consumption, although many agreed on the importance of promoting healthy eating.
Rep. Chevrier remarked on Utah’s leadership in nutritional reforms, referencing a recent BYU study that suggested the negative impacts of liquid sugar. "Taxpayers should not be subsidizing the consumption of harmful substances," she said, underscoring the need for responsible use of taxpayer contributions.
The approval of Utah’s proposal mirrors similar waivers granted to Idaho and Arkansas, highlighting a national shift towards enhancing nutrition assistance programs. As the 2026 deadline approaches, stakeholders in Utah and beyond will be watching closely to assess the impact of this significant health initiative.
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