Gov. Sanders to seek waiver to eliminate ‘junk food’ purchases in federal SNAP program

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (Dec. 11) disclosed that she will seek a waiver from the federal government in the new Trump administration to eliminate junk food from being purchased through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP is a federal program, sometimes referred to as food stamps, that assists low-income families and seniors. Administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP allows for purchases of a large variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. SNAP credits cannot be used to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco.

Sanders released a letter directed to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary-Designate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary-Designate, Brooke Rollins, outlining her concerns and forthcoming request.

“As you know, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a $113 billion federal program designed to support low-income families with food assistance. Unfortunately, this ‘Nutrition Assistance’ program is undermining the health of millions of Americans, on the taxpayer’s dime, by encouraging families to eat highly processed, unhealthy junk food.

“In fact, soda, unhealthy snacks, candy, and dessert account for nearly 23 percent, or $25 billion, of all SNAP purchases. Given the relationship between junk food and poor health, our federal food assistance policies are fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a wide range of chronic health conditions across America,” Sanders wrote.

Noting that diabetes and obesity also contribute to unhealthy pregnancies, Sanders said she intends to seek a waiver in the new administration to prohibit SNAP funds for junk food purchases.

“As Secretaries, I ask that you work collaboratively across the Administration to prohibit the sale of junk food in SNAP and end taxpayer-funded junk food. I also wish to notify you of my intent to pursue a SNAP Waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service that would support fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and protein and prohibit using SNAP for junk food,” Sanders wrote.

Kennedy and Rollins still face confirmation hearings when the new Congress begins in January, but President-elect Donald Trump has signaled they are his choices for the two cabinet posts.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for the American Beverage Association offered this response to Gov. Sanders’ proposal:

“The fact is that soda is not driving obesity in America. While adult obesity is up 37.4% since 2000, beverage calories per serving are down 42%. This is a result of intentional innovation to provide more choices with less sugar and clear information, so Americans choose what’s right for them and their families. It’s working: nearly 60% of beverages Americans buy have zero sugar.

“Our strong track record shows that we’re committed to driving real solutions to the challenges facing America. In fact, we voluntarily removed full calorie beverages from schools in 2006 and do not market to children. Because when it comes to kids, parents should be empowered to make the choice on what they eat and drink.

“Families on SNAP make the same decisions that we all do when buying groceries and deserve the dignity of choice. Limiting choice by restricting SNAP purchases won’t make Americans healthier or save taxpayers money. Rather, these proposals would effectively create a two-tiered system in which the right to personal autonomy around diet is conditioned on income and means. This goes against America’s commitment to individual liberty and freedom.

“If President-elect Trump and his administration decide to look at the SNAP program, we ask for the opportunity to work with him to make the program stronger and ensures it works for Americans and their families,” said Cait DeBaun, vice president and head of public affairs for the American Beverage Association.