SNAP recipients in Florida lose access to soda, candy under new rules

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Florida is about to join a growing number of states that restrict what can be purchased with federal food assistance. Supporters say it will increase the health of Floridians and save taxpayer money. But critics argue that it’s the wrong answer to a much larger problem.

Soda, energy drinks, candy, and “ultra-processed” desserts will no longer be available for purchase with SNAP benefits starting on Monday. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low income families to supplement their grocery budget.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allowing states to eliminate SNAP benefits for certain items as part of the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative. Officials said taxpayers shouldn't fund the purchase of unhealthy food.

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"We are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement.

Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Virginia are among the 22 states approved to implement the change, according to the USDA.

But some advocates warn the cuts come without helping low-income families access healthier food.

"I applaud an effort and an awareness to stem chronic illness and promote healthy eating," said Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, executive director of Our Daily Bread food pantry on Marco Island. "My concern, however, is it's a cut without an alternative."

Rossetti-Ryan said the pantry just surveyed its clients, and all of them want access to fresh fruits and vegetables. That's why it offers options including apples, oranges, peppers, and ginger root. Many of the pantry's clients are SNAP recipients, Rossetti-Ryan said, and may not be able to afford these items on their own.

She said there needs to be more education that helps SNAP recipients access healthier alternatives.

"How can we make SNAP benefits go further for folks?" Rossetti-Ryan said. "So I think just by cutting you're not really addressing the whole equation."

Others are more critical of the move. Joel Berg is a former USDA official who is now the CEO of Hunger Free America. He pointed out that SNAP can still be used to purchase high-sugar sports drinks and pastries.

Berg called the restrictions hypocritical after the White House moved to cut money for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC.

This month, the administration proposed cutting nearly two-thirds of the program's budget for fruits and vegetables, according to the National WIC Association.

"These new restrictions are the wrong answer to the wrong problem," Berg said. "The real problem is that low income Floridians can't afford healthier food. So rather than making healthier food more affordable, available or convenient, the state government is micromanaging the lives of just low income people."