Starting in January, candy and soda will no longer be covered under SNAP benefits. Yesterday, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed the waiver request submitted by the state.
Governor Little signed House Bill 109 at the end of the last session that approved the waiver at the state level. Now the federal Health and Human Services and Agriculture departments are on-board.
It removes candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks from SNAP-eligible items. Arkansas and Utah also requested similar waivers.
Governor Little called the approval a “critical milestone”. He went on to say “…we’re taking a meaningful step forward in strengthening our efforts to improve the health of Idahoans.”
In a press release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, they cite USDA statistics that 20% of SNAP dollars nationwide are spent on “sugary beverages and snacks.”
The release says the DHW will start meeting with retailers on customer education about the new rules.
