By Elia Lopez
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps millions of low-income Americans buy food, faces a new phase of change. Over the next two years, several states will implement restrictions for prevent beneficiaries from using their support to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks and certain sweets.
The measure is part of a strategy that seeks to direct program spending towards options considered healthier.
In recent months, different states have received authorization to modify the rules on the use of food benefits.
States with new SNAP restrictions
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Missouri
- Mountain
- Ohio
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Virginia
Additionally, Kansas, Nevada and Wyoming will implement similar measures in the next two years.
According to forecasts, by 2028 almost half of the country’s states will have restrictions for the purchase of sugary drinks or certain sweets through SNAP.
Ohio will begin changes in October
In Ohio, the new provisions will go into effect on October 1 and will remain in effect for two years.
Matt Damschroderdirector of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), stated that the authorization granted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) represents a step to improve health outcomes for those who receive food assistance.
As he explained, the initiative arose after joint work with specialists in nutrition, public health and access to food.
There will also be new rules for businesses
The changes will not only reach the beneficiaries of the program. The USDA announced that establishments authorized to accept SNAP will be required to expand the range of nutritious foods available to consumers.
Starting in the fall, businesses will have to offer at least seven types of products within four categories:
- Proteins
- Cereals
- Dairy
- Fruits and vegetables
The United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins He pointed out that businesses authorized by SNAP receive more than $90 billion dollars a year from public funds, so the agency seeks to guarantee that these resources are linked to the sale of food.
What is SNAP?
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides a monthly benefit through a debit card so low-income individuals and families can purchase food.
The program already includes restrictions on products such as alcohol and tobacco and currently benefits approximately one in eight Americans.
Keep reading:
- CalFresh benefits in May: When will payments be sent to EBT cards?
- SNAP program: warn about fraud and its impact on food security
- They promote a bill that would require including a photograph on SNAP EBT cards
- SNAP benefits in California: When will payments be sent in May?
