States restrict what you can buy with SNAP benefits

[rightwinger]

In an attempt to get SNAP recipients to eat healthier, many states are placing restrictions on what you can purchase under SNAP


As of early 2026, 18+ states (including Texas, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and Tennessee) have received federal waivers to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used for "junk food". Restrictions generally target soda, energy drinks, candy, and sometimes prepared desserts, largely taking effect through 2026.

I generally agree you should not be allowed to buy treats like candy using SNAP benefits

But I think soda has become part of our culture. Coca Cola advertises relentlessly. Having a soda with your burger and fries is part of life.
Even our own President is addicted to soda to the point where he has a button on his desk to have staff rush him a Diet Coke. He is said to drink ten or more Cokes a day.

If Republicans are so intent to keep the poor from drinking soda, our President should lead by example

 

[1srelluc]

Thread 'Food stamp recipients sue over restrictions on right to tax-payer candy and energy drinks'

Mar 13, 2026

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5781154-snap-recipients-sue-usda-food-restrictions/

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday, challenging its food restriction waivers that reduce the types of foods that can be purchased with benefits.

Represented by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), a nonprofit focused on advancing justice for low-income families, five SNAP recipients from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia sued the USDA for...

• 1srelluc
• Replies: 63
• Forum: Health and Lifestyle

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[Mashmont]

In an attempt to get SNAP recipients to eat healthier, many states are placing restrictions on what you can purchase under SNAP


As of early 2026, 18+ states (including Texas, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and Tennessee) have received federal waivers to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used for "junk food". Restrictions generally target soda, energy drinks, candy, and sometimes prepared desserts, largely taking effect through 2026.

I generally agree you should not be allowed to buy treats like candy using SNAP benefits

But I think soda has become part of our culture. Coca Cola advertises relentlessly. Having a soda with your burger and fries is part of life.
Even our own President is addicted to soda to the point where he has a button on his desk to have staff rush him a Diet Coke. He is said to drink ten or more Cokes a day.

If Republicans are so intent to keep the poor from drinking soda, our President should lead by example

Soda is junk food. No way taxpayers should be buying it. This great success is due to RFK. A great man and great example who is absolutely ripped.

RFK is doing something Big Mike couldn't, with her (his) $5 billion "Let's move" failure. But Big Mike didn't really want results, or she (he) would have insisted SNAP not be used for junk food.

 

[rightwinger]

Soda is junk food. No way taxpayers should be buying it. This great success is due to RFK. A great man and great example who is absolutely ripped.

RFK is doing something Big Mike couldn't, with her (his) $5 billion "Let's move" failure. But Big Mike didn't really want results, or she (he) would have insisted SNAP not be used for junk food.

Soda is not good for you…never has been

But sweetened Ice Tea, Fruit Drinks and many other beverages are just as bad.

If Trumps administration is so intent on keeping poor people away from Soda, Trump needs to lead by example and not mock poor people for the same habit he has

 

[Maxdeath]

I think it is absolutely a great idea. Too many live off the government and buy junk food then when they have medical problems the taxpayers have to foot that bill.
As far as complaining about soda being on the list of things you can not purchase, I agree that has way to much sugar and too little benefits. I drink maybe one a year. Tea, coffee or Gatorade. Never have drank an energy drink.
Eating healthy should always be part of a person’s lifestyle

 

[Winston]

Soda is not good for you…never has been

But sweetened Ice Tea, Fruit Drinks and many other beverages are just as bad.

If Trumps administration is so intent on keeping poor people away from Soda, Trump needs to lead by example and not mock poor people for the same habit he has

The taxpayers should not be paying for soft drinks. That seems to be the argument. Who is paying for Trump's Diet Coke?

 

[rightwinger]

These are the same Republicans who screamed bloody murder when Michelle Obama advocated banning soda from our schools

 

[Rocko]

Typical nanny state bs.

 

[WorldWatcher]

Question…

NOTE: I don’t have a problem with the restrictions.

But if government restrictions are going to be in place, does the government bear any responsibility that the healthier alternatives be available?

In thinking areas that are called “food deserts” because traditional grocery stores are not available.

WW

 

[SweetSue92]

In an attempt to get SNAP recipients to eat healthier, many states are placing restrictions on what you can purchase under SNAP


As of early 2026, 18+ states (including Texas, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and Tennessee) have received federal waivers to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used for "junk food". Restrictions generally target soda, energy drinks, candy, and sometimes prepared desserts, largely taking effect through 2026.

I generally agree you should not be allowed to buy treats like candy using SNAP benefits

But I think soda has become part of our culture. Coca Cola advertises relentlessly. Having a soda with your burger and fries is part of life.
Even our own President is addicted to soda to the point where he has a button on his desk to have staff rush him a Diet Coke. He is said to drink ten or more Cokes a day.

If Republicans are so intent to keep the poor from drinking soda, our President should lead by example

You have your own money? Buy whatever you like; I don't care. Really.

You're using taxpayer money? You should buy only foods that nourish your body.

Period.

 

[rightwinger]

Question…

NOTE: I don’t have a problem with the restrictions.

But if government restrictions are going to be in place, does the government bear any responsibility that the healthier alternatives be available?

In thinking areas that are called “food deserts” because traditional grocery stores are not available.

WW

Many urban poor do not have access to supermarkets. Țhey use local Bodegas and convenience stores that have a large supply of snacks and sodas and very little healthy foods

Same applies to the poor in rural areas of Appalachia, Louisiana and Mississippi

 

[Winston]

It is really is strange times. We don't need IRS agents to audit the wealthy. We don't need lawyers to defend the rights of the disabled or the discriminated against. You don't need a CFPB to protect citizens from fraud and extortion. And never mind that both our maternal and our infant mortality rates are humiliating when compared to all other modern economies. Our infrastructure is out-dated and falling apart. Our students continue to lack behind those from other countries. But dammit, the first thing we need to do is stop that overweight women on EBT from buying soda.

 

[Winston]

You have your own money? Buy whatever you like; I don't care. Really.

You're using taxpayer money? You should buy only foods that nourish your body.

Period.

I ask again, who is paying for Trump's Diet Cokes?

 

[Seymour Flops]

No one is banning SNAP recipients from drinking soda. Nor from smoking cigarettes. We just don't want to pay for either.

Of course for many SNAP recipients, they are on the dole for everything they buy, so we do pay for their cigarettes, their medicinal marijuana and anything illegal that they spend their benefits on.

We need an entirely different way of taking care of those unable or unwilling to work.

I ask again, who is paying for Trump's Diet Cokes?

Trump is, of course. Do you think a president gets a soda allowance? The only exception is official dinners.

 

[Winston]

No one is banning SNAP recipients from drinking soda. Nor from smoking cigarettes. We just don't want to pay for either.

Of course for many SNAP recipients, they are on the dole for everything they buy, so we do pay for their cigarettes, their medicinal marijuana and anything illegal that they spend their benefits on.

We need an entirely different way of taking care of those unable or unwilling to work.


Trump is, of course. Do you think a president gets a soda allowance? The only exception is official dinners.

Your initial point is, all money is fungible, and I agree. And you have no idea at the skill some of the beneficiaries have at maximizing opportunities. And I agree, we need an entirely new system. Of course, I am leaning more universal income.

And you are right, Trump does pay for his Diet Cokes, guess his Big Macs too.

 

[Mashmont]

Soda is not good for you…never has been

But sweetened Ice Tea, Fruit Drinks and many other beverages are just as bad.

If Trumps administration is so intent on keeping poor people away from Soda, Trump needs to lead by example and not mock poor people for the same habit he has

I don’t think the govt is paying for Trump’s soda if he drinks it. I also don’t remember him making fun of people who drink it.

 

[rightwinger]

I don’t think the govt is paying for Trump’s soda if he drinks it. I also don’t remember him making fun of people who drink it.

Trump needs to practice what he preaches

If he tells poor people you can’t have soda because it is not good for you, he needs to follow his own advice

 

[1srelluc]

These are the same Republicans who screamed bloody murder when Michelle Obama advocated banning soda from our schools

You mean the "mystery mush" school lunch?.....Thanks Big Mike!

 

[rightwinger]

You mean the "mystery mush" school lunch?.....Thanks Big Mike!

Michelle Obama did not make the menus
Just suggestions on healthy foods

She opposed selling soda in schools and Republicans went ape shit

 

[Mashmont]

Trump needs to practice what he preaches

If he tells poor people you can’t have soda because it is not good for you, he needs to follow his own advice

Trump just said he’s not paying for it.