RFK Jr. wants to stop people using SNAP benefits to buy soda. Will it help?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Shots - Health News
RFK Jr. wants to stop people using SNAP benefits to buy soda. Will it help?

April 3, 2025 7:00 AM ET
By Katia Riddle

Most people who study nutrition agree, reducing the amount of soda Americans consume would be good for the nation's health. But the plan to block people using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — from buying soda is getting mixed reviews.

Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. is encouraging states to pursue the idea — which would have to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and possibly approved by Congress. But even if a ban is possible, many who study food policy are skeptical it would improve people's health. ... "Americans should drink less soda," says Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, who worked on food policy under President Bill Clinton. "No question about it."

Sugary drinks including soda are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, contributing to obesity and heart disease. ... But Berg doesn't believe soda bans would help people to eat a healthier diet. " If we really want to improve public health, we ought to make healthier food more affordable, more physically available, and convenient," he says.

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[bucolic_frolic]

1. I thought they announced end to SNAP last week & why this clown has so much power?

It's good to reduce sugar. That doesn't make him an expert.

[Elessar Zappa]

2. I don't like this.

Why can’t a poor family give their kid a soda as a treat every once in a while. My brother had the idea that a flat amount of benefits (maybe $50?) could be used for “junk” food. But I don’t necessarily even agree with that because I don’t want to dictate to people about what they should eat.