Food stamp ban on soda, candy proposed by GOP lawmakers

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers want to join a nationwide movement barring the use of food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy.

Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) co-authored a bill with Reps. Clint Moses, Dan Knodl and Dean Kaufert that would block people from using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, on soda and candy.

SNAP, also known as FoodShare Wisconsin, helps people with limited income buy the food they need.

"If it's going to be taxpayer-funded money, let's make sure it's healthy food," Kapenga said.

A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows sweetened beverages, like soft drinks, are among the most commonly purchased items by SNAP households.

Sugary drinks including soda are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, according to the CDC.

Supporters of the bill believe it would promote healthier eating patterns by restricting certain purchases. However, some nutritionists have doubts that soda and candy bans alone would change people's diets.

"It could have a small impact based on past research on this topic, but I think it's only a first step," said Beth Olson, associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"I think it should be, in my opinion, accompanied by other support for healthier diets."

Anti-hunger advocates point to research that shows SNAP recipients are no more likely than other low-income Americans to buy sugary drinks or snack foods.

Proponents argue the proposal could negatively impact low-income families by taking options away.

Olson also points out that many parts of the state, urban and rural, with high poverty rates are particularly vulnerable because they don't have access to a supermarket or large grocery store.

"For some families, they don't have access to large grocery stores with an abundance of supply for produce," Olson said. "Sometimes that's due to transportation or they only have access to convenience stores or gas stations where the selection of food, particularly fruits and vegetables, can be pretty sad."

Kapenga's bill is a key aspect of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.

Kennedy, the nation's top health official, has championed restrictions to the SNAP program. He recently appeared at a press conference with West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey regarding proposed changes to SNAP and food dye legislation.

The Health and Human Services secretary and his allies argue federal benefits shouldn't be used to purchase sugary products they say are linked to obesity and poor health outcomes.

"[RFK] is getting things rolling, and within the next month or two we'll see some significant reforms come out," Kapenga said. "I do hope this is one of them."

If approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature and signed by Gov. Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services would be required to apply for a waiver to prohibit FoodShare recipients from buying candy and soda.

Those waivers must be approved by the federal government, but so far, none are currently in place in any state. However, that could change under Kennedy's leadership within the Trump administration.

Morrisey, a Republican, announced his intent to seek a federal waiver to ban food stamps to purchase soda. More than a dozen states have introduced similar legislation.

Kapenga's bill was referred to the Senate Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development Committee. A public hearing has not been scheduled yet.