Ruckus over SNAP benefits in Idaho, will we have to stop buying candy and soda now?
A big debate has erupted in Idaho over food stamps (SNAP benefits). The state government wants people not to be able to use their SNAP benefits to buy candy and soda. Yes, you heard it right! This is not just limited to Idaho, but it has become a national level issue, which has started getting more support after Trump became president again.
What are SNAP benefits?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that helps low-income families buy food. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are given EBT cards (Electronic Benefits Transfer), which work like a debit card and money is deposited in it every month.
About 1,30,000 people in Idaho depend on SNAP benefits. If this new rule comes into force, about 100,000 people will be affected.
Items purchased from SNAP may be banned
Now the state government wants Idaho to become the first state to completely ban junk food. This week, the Idaho House of Representatives passed Bill 109. It had 38 votes in favor and 32 against. The special thing was that this decision was not of any one political party, as 23 Republicans and all Democrats opposed this bill.
Under this law, permission will be sought from the federal government so that the purchase of candy and soda can be banned from SNAP benefits.
But the question is what will be considered “sweet”?
Under this new rule, those things will be banned which contain sugar, honey or other sweeteners and which are in bar, chunk or gummy form made from chocolate, fruit, nuts etc.
However, if a product contains more than 10% flour or requires refrigeration, it can escape the ban. That means packaged cupcakes can be allowed, but not Hershey’s chocolate bars. It may sound strange, but that’s exactly what’s being proposed.
Supporters of the bill believe it will encourage people to adopt a healthier diet. “It’s a step toward better nutrition,” says Representative Jordan Redman.
But critics say it’s not the right solution.
Will banning SNAP solve the real problem?
Experts say banning just candy and soda is pointless because sugar is also found in many other products, such as:
- Yogurt – which has up to 20 grams of sugar per cup.
- Pasta sauce – which also has a fair amount of sweetness.
- Granola bars – which are considered healthy, but also have a lot of sugar.
So why are only chocolate and soda being targeted?
In addition, a large part of Idaho is spread in rural areas, where it is extremely difficult to find fresh fruits and vegetables. People there often buy goods from small shops or gas stations, where the most “nutritious” thing is probably a dusty pack of Cheetos.
In such a situation, is it right to take away the right to buy Snickers from a poor person?
New law is also coming at the national level
This issue is not limited to Idaho only. Republican MP Josh Brechin in Washington has introduced a bill called Healthy SNAP Act, which proposes to ban the purchase of soda, ice cream, candy and desserts from SNAP benefits across America.
Brechin says, “If someone wants to treat himself, he should pay himself. Taxpayers should not bear the cost of others’ poor decisions.”
But opponents say that this is “paternalism of the government” towards the poor.
The question is: “Who is the government to decide what people put on their plates?”
Some believe the real problem is not what people are buying, but that they simply do not have access to healthy options. If the government really wants to improve, it should:
- Increase the number of farmers’ markets in rural areas.
- Organise healthy cooking classes.
- Rather than banning just sweets, it should regulate the entire food industry.
Will the ban work?
“People will still buy sugar, just in a different form,” says expert Valerie Imbruce. If the real problem is not addressed, the regulation will be a band-aid solution.
Furthermore, the same government that decided to stop the poor from buying cola is giving big companies a free hand to sell unhealthy, processed food. Isn’t this hypocrisy?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new proposal regarding SNAP benefits in Idaho?
Idaho’s Bill 109 would prevent SNAP beneficiaries from buying candy and soda, for which permission would have to be sought from the federal government.
Why does the government want to impose this ban?
Supporters believe that this will encourage people to eat healthier, but critics say it will not provide any real solution.
Will all sweet things be banned?
No, the rule will only apply to candy and soda. Packaged cakes and refrigerated sweets can still be purchased.
How will this new rule affect SNAP beneficiaries?
If this bill passes, about 1,00,000 people in Idaho will face problems due to this, especially those living in rural areas.
Is this just happening in Idaho, or is it going to happen all over the US?
Idaho could become the first state to implement this rule, but