Des Moines, Iowa — The USDA has given the State of Iowa the go-ahead to prohibit Iowans from using federal food assistance to buy candy, salty snacks, or sweetened drinks like pop — starting in January.
Governor Kim Reynolds says current data shows 20 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits are being used to buy those items.
Gum, marshmallows, sweetened coconut, and dried fruit that’s rolled into strips for snacking are also on the soon-to-be-banned list. Reynolds says the state will work with food retailers to recalibrate their systems so SNAP benefits may no longer be used to buy items on the list.
Reynolds made her comments at Iowa PBS during the taping of this week’s “Iowa Press” program. The American Heart Association sent a statement to the USDA supporting Iowa’s plan to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks. The group says the soda industry’s long-time opposition to enacting similar policies nationwide is outrageous. The Iowa Hunger Coalition says the goal should be to make sure all Iowans have greater access to nutritious food rather than to punish low-income Iowans and deny kids a candy bar when they want a treat.
KIWA Staff Photo
