REPORT: Immediate Ban on Soda, Candy and Other Foods Takes Effect in Select Countries

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SNAP bans on soda, candy, and other foods have reportedly gone into effect in select states.

RELATED: Government Shutdown Only Official – Here’s an Update on SNAP Benefits, Federal Workers’ Back Pay, Air Travel and More!

More on SNAP Bans Reported on Soda, Candy and Other Foods in Select States

According to USA Today, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia are the first states to begin banning the sale of soda, candy and other foods starting Thursday, January 1. Utah and West Virginia will begin by banning “the use of SNAP to purchase soda and soft drinks.” Nebraska will “ban soda and energy drinks,” while “Indiana will target soft drinks and candy.” Iowa will follow with restrictions on “taxable foods, including soda and candy, but also certain prepared foods,” AP News reports.

“The Trump Administration is leading bold reforms to strengthen the integrity and value of nutrition within the nutrition assistance program,” The United States Department of Agriculture is reported to have confirmed this update. “… This repeal is an important step to ensure that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes within SNAP.”

According to the report, earlier this year, Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remarked that “Every American who wants to eat a donut should be able to eat it or drink a Coke. But the federal taxpayer shouldn’t have to pay for poisoning our children. And we’re going to end that.”

Will Other States Adopt Bans on Soda, Candy and Other Foods?

According to source, a total of 18 states will finally adopt the ban by 2026. In February, after the first five states rolled out their restrictions, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Louisiana will follow suit. In March, Colorado will join the ban. Texas, Virginia, and Florida will join the ban in April. Arkansas and Tennessee will join the ban in July. Hawaii and South Carolina will join the ban in August. North Dakota will join in September, and Missouri will join in October.

AP News adds that the effort is aimed at “reducing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes associated with sugary drinks and other treatments.” However, some “experts of the retail industry and health policy” believe that the update, “which does not have a complete list of affected foods and the technical challenges of sales that vary by region and store,” could cause long lines to pay and customer complaints.

“It’s a disaster waiting to happen for people trying to buy food and being turned away,” expert Kate Bauer told the outlet, and doctor Anand Parekh added. “This does not solve the two main problems, which is that healthy food in this country is unaffordable and unhealthy food is cheap and available everywhere.”

The latest SNAP events

As The Shade Room previously reported, SNAP restarted at the end of the government shutdown in November. Since then, the program has made headlines with the Trump administration reportedly requiring recipients to reapply for benefits. This, as it was reported that there are more than 180,000 who are listed as dead and are still receiving money.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Democratic states may face benefits restrictions if they do not comply with Trump’s move.