SNAP and Restrictions
For several years now, cities and states across the country have expressed interest in limiting the purchase of certain foods and beverages with SNAP benefits. However, because the criteria for SNAP purchases are federally-regulated policies, any states that wish to place their own restrictions must apply to the USDA for a waiver. To date, the USDA has rejected all applications for waivers. In 2010, the debate over restrictions of SNAP purchases was revived when New York City applied for a waiver to permit restrictions of sodas with SNAP benefits. The waiver was also rejected, but it raises the question of how to weigh the issue of the regulation of SNAP purchases and the rights of SNAP clients against the emerging obesity epidemic in the United States.
Restricting SNAP Purchases: In The News
- Slate
- New York Times
- The Cato Institute
- Food Politics by Marion Nestle, PhD, New York University
- The Atlantic Wire
- Op-Ed by Joel Berg, Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger
- Op-Ed by Thomas Farley (New York City Health Commissioner) and Richard F. Daines (New York State’s Health Commissioner)
More Information
- USDA report on the restriction of SNAP purchases
- Database of states and communities that have applied for waivers for restrictions
- How the Food and Nutrition Service Determines Product Eligibility for SNAP Purchases