Several US states are considering imposing limits on the products that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can purchase using their subsidies. The proposals, promoted by Republican legislators in ten states, seek to prohibit the purchase of foods considered “junk”, such as candy, soft drinks and snacks high in sugar or fat.
SNAP, which served 42.1 million people monthly in 2023 (12.6% of the US population), currently allows the purchase of “any food for human consumption” except alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods.
Critics argue that this flexibility promotes unhealthy eating habits, linked to obesity and chronic diseases: they point to junk food as one of those responsible.
SNAP benefits to prohibit purchase of certain foods in at least 10 states
Each state initiative requires a waiver from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the entity that administers SNAP. Although exemptions were granted during the pandemic to streamline procedures or allow online purchases, no ban based on nutritional criteria has been approved so far. The projects must pass through both legislative chambers and receive the endorsement of the governors before reaching the USDA.
To date, no state has been able to restrict products based on their nutritional profile. In 2020, for example, Minnesota requested a similar exemption, but the USDA denied it, citing a lack of evidence of its positive impact. Defenders of the new proposals insist that they seek to reduce health costs associated with poor diet.
Republican Senator Daniel Zolnikov, promoter of the project in Montana, declared: “I am not against low-income people drinking soda, but I am against advertising that equates processed foods with healthy products. Our medical costs increase because of this.”
Voices for and against restricting SNAP benefits
Those who oppose the measures describe them as paternalistic and claim that they ignore economic barriers. Valerie Imbruce, director of the Center for Environment and Society at Washington College, said: “Healthy foods are more expensive due to federal subsidies to sugar industries. Blaming the poor for their choices is simplistic.
Kavelle Christie, a health policy expert, added: “SNAP is a safety net, not a control mechanism. These proposals reinforce stereotypes about vulnerable families.” In contrast, Senator Mike Lee of Utah said, “Tax dollars should not fund junk food. Promoting balanced diets is key to public health.
Do SNAP recipients buy a lot of junk food?
According to a study by Tufts University (2021) it was revealed that 63% of SNAP benefits are spent on basic products such as dairy, bread and cereals, while only 10% goes on sweets and sugary drinks, or on junk food.
Despite this, legislators insist that the restrictions would help combat the obesity epidemic, which affects 41.9% of adults in the United States.
Public health and food experts say that, without subsidies for fruits and vegetables, restrictions could deepen food inequalities. Currently, only ten states participate in the USDA “Fruit and Vegetable Incentive” pilot program, which offers additional bonuses for purchasing fresh produce.
Maximum SNAP benefits in 2025, according to the USDA
Beginning October 1, 2024, maximum food stamps benefits in the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia were adjusted based on household size. For a one-person household, the maximum benefit is $291 per month; for two people, $535; three people, $766; four people, $975; five people, $1,150; six people, $1,380; seven people, $1,532; and for eight people, $1,751. From eight members, $219 is added per additional person.
It’s important to note that these amounts may vary in states and territories with different costs of living, such as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
