By Ariana Huffington
On May 19, Nebraska was granted the first waiver allowing a state to prohibit purchases of soda and energy drinks through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. A few days later, waivers were approved for Indiana and Iowa to be able to exclude soda and candy, and soon after, waivers were granted for Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah. Waiver requests from several other states are waiting for approval.
“SNAP has looked essentially the same for over 60 years, despite scientific consensus that sugary drinks are harming our health,” wrote Christina Roberto and Alyssa Moran from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “By subsidizing sugary drinks with SNAP, we are rewarding an industry that limits choices for lower-income families, ensuring the lowest-quality food is the most available and affordable option.”