What Are Experts Saying Regarding Junk Food Purchases with SNAP

Several states in the U.S. are starting to block people from using SNAP benefits (which help low-income Americans buy food) to purchase junk food like soda and candy. In 2024, about 41 million Americans used SNAP each month to buy groceries.

The push for these restrictions is being led by the conservative "Make America Healthy Again" movement. So far, states like Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah (most of which are led by Republicans) have approval from the government's agriculture department (USDA) to ban unhealthy foods from being bought using SNAP.

Supporters believe this can reduce diet-related diseases and stop taxpayer money from funding unhealthy choices. Critics, however, say this won't change people's eating habits and is more about controlling what low-income families buy than actually helping them.
 

Arguments for Junk Food Restrictions

 

• Diet-related diseases cost the U.S. an estimated $1.1 trillion every year.
• Poor eating habits are tied to about 500,000 deaths every year.
• Studies show SNAP families often buy more sugary drinks and processed meats than similar families who aren't on SNAP.
• Experts say helping people buy sugary drinks with funds from SNAP mainly benefits companies and keeps unhealthy food cheap and easy to get.
• Some officials argue that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for junk food or for the health problems that result from it.

 

Arguments Against Junk Food Restrictions

 

• Experts say that limits alone won't make people healthier because healthy food is often unaffordable for SNAP users.
• Research suggests that giving people discounts on fruits and vegetables (instead of banning foods) might help more, possibly preventing many heart-related health issues and saving billions in healthcare costs.
• Critics point out that restrictions may add to the stigma and stress for SNAP families and don’t tackle deeper problems, like a lack of healthcare or healthy food options.
• Data show SNAP families already spend most of their benefits on healthy basics like meat, fruits, and vegetables. Only about 20% goes to sweets, soda, and candy.
• When money is tight, families sometimes have to buy cheaper, calorie-rich foods to get by—not necessarily by choice.

 

Issues with Access and Fairness

 

• Some people in rural or inner-city areas do not have easy access to healthy foods—these areas are called "food deserts."
• More than 53 million Americans live in areas where it's difficult to get fresh groceries.
• Many rural areas have lost hospitals and often rely on convenience stores or gas stations that have few healthy options.
• Restrictions could make it harder for families who already struggle to find nutritious food, and might take away their freedom to choose.
• Experts say, instead of more barriers, these communities need investment in grocery stores, better jobs, and healthcare.

In short, while some believe banning junk food from SNAP will make Americans healthier, others argue that the real solution is making healthy food more affordable and accessible—not just banning certain foods.

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