More states are removing unhealthy foods from food stamp benefits. Recently, U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, signed waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for SNAP in Indiana and Iowa. Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, says soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads and the change was made to promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease. Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco and hot foods. The new waiver excludes soft drinks and other sweetened drinks, candy, and other snack items.
As part of the Make America Healthy Again Agenda, this historic action seeks to reverse alarming disease trends across the country. Prediabetes now affects one in three children ages 12 to 19; 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic condition; and 35% of high school students drink two or more sodas daily.
